Local coach re-connects with gymnastic prodigy

Two-year-old Allan Bower started doing flips on furniture, the floor and around the house.

It was at that time his mother Jane Bower said she and his father knew his calling would be gymnastics.

The couple soon enrolled the youth in classes with Amy Bratlie, who is now a Maricopa Desert Stars Gymnastics instructor. Bratlie worked with Bower to help him with his balance, coordination and form. She helped craft his raw potential and aided him in becoming the youngest person to ever qualify for the Olympic National Team.

However, it took years of dedication to get the young gymnast to that point.

At the age of 10 Bower was ready to move to the next level, but, he said, he didn’t think he had what it took to compete with more experienced youth. To prepare for competition, he trained four hours a day, focusing on strength, cardio and conditioning.

Bower eventually left Bratlie because of preconceived notions that male coaches must teach male gymnasts, but the two maintained a close relationship since it was she who helped establish the foundation for his success.

“He is amazing,” said Bratlie, who brought Bower to Maricopa for an exhibition at Sonic recently.

Bower currently competes for Xtreme Gymnastics in Scottsdale. Next month he will head to Dallas for the final selections for th 2009 U.S. Men’s Junior Olympic Team. He is the youngest gymnast competing at that level.

When Bower is not competing and training, he enjoys playing games on the computer or participating in other team sports like football and basketball. The Phoenix Suns are his favorite NBA team. His ultimate goals are to compete on both world and Olympic gymnastics teams.

Photo by Tomel Griggs