Buffalo Grove Gymnast Works Toward Olympic Goal

He’s back with a mission. And the mission is big. David Sender, Buffalo Grove’s own star gymnast, is back and ready to once again go for the gold in the Summer 2012 Olympics.

David started gymnastics as a toddler in a mom and tot class. His parents claim he was an extremely active kid. David recalls when his father caught him walking (yes, I said walking) down the stair banister one day. That was catalyst for his parents to find some sort of outlet for his abundance of energy. Gymnastics seemed like the perfect choice.

As a 26-year-old graduate, a Stanford University graduate and a current veterinary school student at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, David has a lot under his belt besides his gymnastics career.

“I competed through from the time I moved there in 1992 until I was done with high school in 2004," he said. "I never had the chance to compete for my high school because I was always pretty busy competing and training for club gymnastics. After that, I competed for Stanford’s NCAA team. I won the U.S. Visa Championships in 2008, and secured a spot on the U.S. National Team, which qualified me to compete at the 2008 Olympic Trials.”

Most considered David as a shoo-in to represent the USA at the Olympics.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to compete there because I injured my ankle the day before at practice in the arena,” he said.

It was devastating to watch this young athlete come so far and then ultimately not compete due to this ankle injury.

Now, two years into vet school, David has asked for a leave of absence to train again in hopes to once again reach his Olympic goal. During Super Bowl weekend, while most of us were eating, drinking, preparing for and/or watching the game, David was guaranteeing himself a spot on the U.S. National Team for 2012. Incredibly impressive! Whatever scenario plays out for him, he is certain to return to vet school this August to finish his final two years.

It’s evident from his charismatic personality and the way he lights up when he speaks about gymnastics how much he loves the sport.

“I think the best part of gymnastics is the constant challenge," he said. "I don't think there are too many other sports out there that are constantly evolving to make you push your limits on almost every level. I've always enjoyed a good challenge, and I get that all the time from gymnastics.”

There is no doubt in my mind that David was meant to come out of retirement and share his talent with the gymnastics community, the country and the whole world.

He says, “I still have a lot more to offer by being a part of U.S.A. Gymnastics.”

Keep your eyes on him folks, 2012 may be his year!

As always, email me with any news, topics or ideas that you want to read about. Remember, I’d like to be the first to know! I can be reached at laurenbgpatch@aol.com.