Young Dave Anthony:
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, my gymnastics career began as a coping therapy for a disability. On one well check visit to the doctor, I was referred to a Pediatric Opthamologist who immediately diagnosed me as “myopic”. Translation: I was legally blind in one eye and had no depth perception. My world was 2D. Two dimension is similar to a stick figure drawing on a piece of paper. My world was flat. My parents were told I would never drive a car due to my disability.
A diagnosis of “visually impaired “ made no impression on a rowdy little boy who who knew secretly, deep inside, that he was a “Super Hero” who would one day fly. I was always leaping over furniture, jumping on beds, climbing, hanging, even swinging in trees. In order to positively channel my boundless energy, my mom enrolled me in gymnastics.
Truth be told, my disability became my strength. Because I visualized things in 2D, I did not see the world with depth and dimension. I was often considered “Fearless “ by my coaches because I could not perceive heights, ergo, I had no fear of falling. I like to think my childhood experience brings a purity and a different approach to solving problems. An opportunity to think outside the box of traditional norms for those of us who need a fresh approach to positive solutions. Fortunately, after many procedures, medications and therapies, I have developed the blessing of normal sight. Gymnastics became a significant component in my personal journey, as it developed in me skills to operate in daily life as my brain developed coping skills to interpret this world.
Current Dave Anthony:
I hold a degree in Strategic Communication from Ohio Dominican University. My son Daniel is the best part of my life. I am thankful and grateful every day for Daniel. He inspires me each day to be a better man than I was yesterday. I strive to share my gratitude with the athletes I am fortunate to coach today.
Professional Dave Anthony:
I am currently the overall Team Director at Universal Gymnasts Inc. located in Columbus, Ohio. I have been at Universal from 1999 to the present. I bring over 25 years of experience with a broad spectrum of education working with Levels 2 - 10. In those years our program has produced multiple State, Regional and National Champions in Levels 9 and 10. We have been to the Nastia Liukin Cup on 3 separate occasions and had one of our gymnasts win the competition. Our passion is getting our gymnasts to the collegiate level. Presently we have had over 25 gymnasts earn a position on collegiate programs all over the country.
I have been an active Region 5 Clinician for 25 years and plan to continue in the future. I have been fortunate to be a speaker at Ohio and Region 5 Congress in years past. We have been honored to participate in the Region 5 All-Star trips (Panama, Belgium/England, Jamaica and Arizona) delegation where we give back to other international/domestic gymnastics programs exchanging information and training techniques. The opportunity allowed us to broaden our horizons and perspective of understanding with other coaches/athletes from different countries.
Many of us share similar challenges while others are uniquely our own. I encourage multiple solutions that benefit all of us and not just a select few, ensuring a voice for all involved. Camaraderie for the great state of Ohio and open mindedness are key traits I will use to build positive momentum for our Level 9 and 10 Team Programs. Assimilating wisdom, nurturing strength and problem solving as an Ohio Team we will assemble an unstoppable force. I am confident our Level 9 and 10 programs will hold strong for the challenges of today in Ohio and lead Region 5 of tomorrow.
