Amanda Borden
Amanda Kathleen Borden (born May 10, 1977) is a retired American gymnast, who was one of the members of the gold medalist United States team in the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Magnificent Seven. Borden was the team captain, with all six other members submitting her name in the vote, including the more experienced Shannon Miller. Her vivacious personality and encouraging presence were deemed important leadership qualities that would take the team far. As she was sidelined by injuries during the 1995 season, many gymnastics enthusiasts feel that Amanda was capable of more individual successes. She has been often described as an "underrated" gymnast from her era. Her contributions on 3 world championship teams and countless international assignments helped build the USA's reputation leading to the 1996 Olympics. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduating from Finneytown High School, Borden trained under coach Mary Lee Tracy at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy. She took up gymnastics in 1984, and spent six years on the US women's national team (1990, 1992–97), competing in the 1993 World Championships, and making the event finals on uneven bars in the 1994 World Championships before leading the United States to gold in the 1996 Olympics. She also originated an original element, a twisting straddle pike jump on the balance beam, which is named after her in the Code of Points.[citation needed] After her victory as part of the "Magnificent Seven", Borden appeared in numerous national tours and television appearances. She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in early childhood education, though she was unable to compete under NCAA rules, having gained professional athlete status from promotional work. In May 2006, Borden married Brad Cochran, and the couple currently owns the Gold Medal Gym in Tempe, Arizona, opened in May 2004, where she coaches as well. 2000 Olympic team member Jamie Dantzscher is one of the coaches at Borden's gym. At age 30, she gave birth to her first child - a daughter, Kennedy Faith, who arrived at 5:45 pm on July 29, 2007. She also serves as a commentator on CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Turner Broadcasting, and ESPN, for gymnastics and cheerleading events. She also goes to IGC (International Gymnastics Camp) every summer to talk about her gymnastics experiences.