Chandler, AZ - The Valley has produced many Olympic athletes from Misty Hyman—gold medalist swimmer in the 2000 Sydney Olympics—to Henry Cejudo—gold medalist in wrestling in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Gilbert High School senior Brandon Briones hopes to join their ranks on the Olympic stage someday in men’s gymnastics.
“What drives me is probably my desire to improve myself, reach every goal I set for myself,” said Brandon Briones.
The 17-year-old won the U.S. Gymnastic Championship in Boston in August. After the first day of competition, he was in fourth place. Then he came roaring back on day two and won the Junior All-Around Championship.
“It was really something special. I really felt all my hard work paid off over the past few months,” said Briones.
Briones puts in 20 hours a week at the Aspire Kids Sports Center in Chandler. His coach Rob Survick says Brandon is a special athlete.
“His drive and his humbleness and his hungriness is unmatched of any other athlete I've ever had the privilege of working with,” said Rob Survick. Briones’ coach.
That drive helped him win the U.S. Gymnastic Championship nearly a year after breaking his leg. Now he has put himself on the radar to hopefully compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
“I try not to think about it too much but the Olympics is definitely my end goal. It's been my dream for a while,” said Briones.
“I think he is definitely on that path to have a shot at the Olympics both in 2020 and 2024,” said Survick.
Briones was picked to compete in the 2018 Summer Youth Olypics in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Oct. 8.
Each country only gets to bring one athlete to compete in gymnastics. He’ll be the sole representative for the U.S.