Gymnastics Legend Amanda Borden

Gymnastics Legend Amanda Borden

Jun 20, 2012 by FloGymnastics Admin
Gymnastics Legend Amanda Borden
Amanda Borden was Team Captain of the 1996 Magnificent Seven, the first U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team to win Gold in all of Olympic history. Before leading the Magnificent Seven, Amanda proved herself to be a steady and consistent gymnast from the start of her training in 1984 at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy. Her talent and ability led her to be named to the National Team six times and the World Championship Team three times, eventually reaching the pinnacle of her career as Team Captain of the 1996 Gold Medal winning, history making, Olympic Team. 

USA Gymnastics Code of Points number 2.302, otherwise known as the “Borden,” is named after Amanda.  The Borden is a straddle pike jump from side position with ½ or ¾ turn on the balance beam.  USA Gymnastics also named Amanda Sportswoman of the Year in 1995. 

Outside of the gym, Amanda earned her B.S. summa cum laude in elementary education from Arizona State University.

When asked about her gymnastics career, Amanda Borden seems to have developed a theme upon answering… it’s all about the team!
Amanda’s inspiration for her 2012 GK Legends Collection Leotard stays true to her team theme and the source of her 1996 Olympic fame – her Magnificent Seven teammates.  Amanda described the experience as, “the biggest moment of my gymnastics career and one of the biggest moments in women’s gymnastics history.”  The Magnificent Seven, as they were aptly dubbed, was the first U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team to win Gold in all of Olympic history.

Amanda’s teammates were heroes to her personally and she was shocked and humbled when they voted her as team captain.  Amanda’s vivacious personality and encouraging nature coupled with a maturity beyond her years made her the perfect choice to lead the Magnificent Seven to the top of the Olympic podium. 



Amanda honors each of her team members with her GK design saying, “There are 7 stripes to represent the 7 members on the team.”  Always having favored red, white and blue, Amanda’s Legends Inspired Workout Leotard is a shimmering and brilliant combination of Silver Mystique and White Nylon/Spandex.  The stunning red Sequinz stripes are artfully laid out across the front of the leo paired with brilliant blue and silver Sequinz stars.

Currently, Amanda owns Gold Medal Gymnastics in Tempe, Arizona.  There, she also coaches combining her educational training with her athletic expertise. Amanda provides expert commentary for gymnastics and cheerleading events on CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Turner Broadcasting and ESPN. In addition, Amanda is a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame and US Olympic Hall of Fame. She also holds a position on the Arizona Gymnastics Board.

Personally, Amanda has been married to her husband, Brad Cochran, for over five years and has two children, Kennedy, 4 and Brody, 1 1/2.  Amanda’s current goals focus on the next generation of athletes.  “My goal is to touch the lives of children all across Arizona to help them reach their goals, whatever they may be.”

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