JASON GATSON Hometown: Mesa, Arizona Current residence: Colorado Springs, Colorado Birthday: June 25, 1980 Age: 16 Club: U.S. Olympic Training Center Coach: Ron Brant and Vitaly Marinitch School: American School (home study) Year in School: Junior Began Gymnastics: 1986 USA Gymnastics: How anfl wby dUJ you get ,Haded ill gymllastic.r?
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Gatson: I was at home jumping oft the fireplace. My mom took me to the doctor and asked him what to do with me because I was so active. The doctor suggested she enroll me in a gymnastics dass. So at 6 years old I started taking a dass once or twice a week at a dub in Texas. I moved to Arizona when I was 7 and started training with Mike Naddour. USA Gynuuutics: Wbat do you like about gynuuutics
Gatson: I just love the sport and it has taken me pretty far. I've been on the Junior National Team for quite a few years and now I'm training at the OTC. I like competing especially. It's a rush when I compete. It makes me feel real good. USA G1JllUUUtics: Wby dUJ you nwve to USOTC in Colorado Spring.r?
Gatson: My coach, Mike Naddour, and I talked about it for a couple of years and we finally decided it was the right time for me to move to Colorado Springs and train at the Olympic Training Center. USA Gynuuutic.r: Wbat'.r the hest and wor.rt thing about living away from bonze?
Gatson: I miss my family, but I get to go home once every month or two to visit. The training, coaching and gym atmosphere are the best things. , USA GyI1Ula.ftic.r: What were you doing during the '96 Olympic Gal1U.f?
Gatson: I was sitting in my dorm room at the training center and watching the Games. The thought crossed my mind many times that I wanted to be there. It motivated me to work harder and go for my goals.
USA Gymnastics: What are yourfuture goal.r in the .rport?
Gatson: I'd like to make some World Teams and the 2000 Olympic Team.
USA Gymnastics: What do you thinlc of the new COde?
Gatson: It's tough. I'm going to work on all the skills I need for the code and try to put them all together. USA Gymnastics: What advice do you have for YOlLllfJ kUJ.rju.rt .rtarting in the .rport?
Gatson: Train hard and never give up.
JANUARY / FEBRUAR Y 1997
Intere.rting Note About JiLfO/L' His brother, Brandon, was a member of the dance group IIFour Boys and a Babe ll and has appeared on Star Search, Arsenial Hall Show, Great American Workout with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and many commericals. In fact, Jason's brother and mother are moving to los Angeles from January through April 1997 for the pilot season in hopes that Brandon will land an acting job! USA
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