Twelve-year-old Brayden Bates recently competed in the 2019 USA Gymnastics Men’s Region 8 Championships in Alachua, FL April 5-7. At the competition, the life-long south Lake athlete placed 1st on P. Bars, and 1st on Rings. Though falling short of winning state and regionals, Brayden did finish high enough to earn a berth in the 2019 Mens’ Junior Olympic National Championships to be held in Reno Nevada on May 2-5.
Brayden will represent his gym, Gymnastic USA in Winter Garden.
“Brayden is very excited to have qualified for Nationals”, said his proud dad. “This was the first year that Brayden could qualify and has worked very hard to have the opportunity to compete!”.
For the past 4 years, Brayden has trained at Gymnastic USA in Winter Garden, a state-of-the-art gym. Brayden excelled immediately in gymnastics and was placed on a team without ever attending a recreational class program. At age 10, Bates competed as a level 5 and finished first on the pommel horse, high bar, and parallel bars, completing the state championships by winning the All-Around competition. His superior performance earned him a place in the 2017 USA Gymnastics Men’s Regional Championship.
His athletic ability, stamina, competitiveness, teamwork, and perseverance may have been inherited. Brayden’s mother was an All-American gymnast at the University of Alabama and his dad is City of Clermont Mayor Pro Tem who has served on the City Council since 2012.
Brayden and his teammates have 3 coaches who structure their coaching around a positive atmosphere. They are Nick Kosteski, John Hallet, Robbie Hunt.
Brayden is excited and ready to compete. He states, “I can’t wait to fly to Reno and compete and to see how other kids do from all over the country”.
Brayden, wishing you the very best, more importantly, bring home lots of wonderful memories.
