Amanda Kathleen Borden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 10, 1977. Her parents are Doug and Patty. She has a brother named Bryan. She began gymnastics in 1984 at the age of seven. During her elite career, Amanda trained with Mary Lee Tracy at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy. She owns Gold Medal Gymnastics in Arizona.

Amanda's first year as an elite was in 1990. She placed third all-around and won beam at the American Classic. She could not compete at the national championships because of an injury. Amanda only competed at the American Classic in 1991. She finished first on floor.

Amanda had a good 1992 season. She finished sixth all-around and first on floor at the US Classic. Amanda also competed at her first major international meet, the Pacific Alliance Championships. She continued great performances by placing fifth all-around at nationals. At the US Olympic Trials she finished seventh, one spot short of making the Olympic Team. Amanda came out of the whole process ready to work hard to make the 1996 Olympic Team.

She started her 1993 season at the prestigious American Cup. Amanda placed eighth all-around. She followed that up by placing sixth at the mixed pairs meet. At the American Classic Amanda finished third. She was the alternate to the World Championships. Amanda then placed eleventh all-around at the US Olympic Festival. Before the national championships, Amanda placed fourth all-around at the Hilton Challenge. She had a great showing at the national championships. Amanda placed fourth all-around! She then took a trip to Asia for two meets. At the Tokyo Cup she placed third on bars. Amanda's final meet of the season was the Chunichi Cup.

In 1994, Amanda placed second all-around at the American Classic. She then made it to the uneven bars event finals at the World Championships. Amanda won the US Classic. At the Hilton Challenge she placed fourth all-around. At the National Championships Amanda performed strongly and placed third all-around. She kept that placing at the World Team Trials. She ended her season with a silver medal at the World Team Championships.

In 1995, Amanda placed second all-around at the American Classic. She had her best showing at the American Cup by placing third all-around. At the Pan Am Games Amanda finished second all-around and won beam. Amanda could not compete at nationals because of an injury.

1996 was the Olympic year. Amanda finished second all-around at the US Classic. She finished fourth at nationals and fifth at the Olympic Trials. She had successfully made the Olympic Team. She was elected team captain. At the Olympic Games the USA team won its first ever gold medal! Today she is a cheerleading commentator.

Fast Facts Name: Amanda Borden Birthday: May 10, 1977 Club: Cincinnati

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Six Time US National Team Member 1996: Olympic Champion 1995: American Cup- 3rd AA 1994: World Championships- 2nd TM 1994: US Nationals- 3rd AA 1994: US Classic Champion

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