A Second Home: Watching Audio Grow Up Through 13 Years of Competitive Gymnastics At North County Gymnastics
By Melanie and Daniel Gundert
Melanie:
When Audio first started gymnastics at five years old, he had absolutely no experience in the sport. He was tiny, incredibly shy, and always nervous about doing anything in front of people. At that age, it wasn’t about skills or competition results. It was simply fun to watch him step out onto the floor and try something new. Looking back now, those early days feel so small compared to the journey that followed.
If someone had told me then that he would still be doing gymnastics at 18 and continuing at the college level, I never would have believed it.
Gymnastics is an emotional roller coaster. There were many seasons where he thought it might be his last year. Some years were filled with motivation and excitement, while others felt physically and mentally exhausting. Like many teenagers, Audio sometimes wanted more of a social life. While his friends were spending weekends hanging out, going to parties, or simply enjoying free time, Audio was often in the gym three hours a day, four to five days a week, plus weekends during competition season.
But somehow, after every season ended, he would find a fresh sense of purpose and decide to keep going.
Over the years, gymnastics shaped nearly every part of who he became. Because he was naturally shy, the sport slowly built his confidence in ways we never expected. It started in the gym, then carried onto the competition floor, into friendships, leadership roles, school, and everyday life. As he grew older and eventually became one of the oldest athletes on the team, you could see the transformation happening little by little.
Gymnastics taught him that if he stayed committed to something long enough, he could accomplish hard things. Whether it was learning a new skill or pushing through a difficult math test, he learned how to trust himself. The sport built resilience, discipline, confidence, and leadership, not just as an athlete, but as a teammate, student, and friend.
Of course, not every season was easy. Some of the hardest moments as a parent were watching him struggle mentally during difficult phases. Those seasons are hard on everyone: the athlete, the parents, and the coaches trying to guide them through it. Kids go through so many stages as they grow up, and there are years when it feels like very little progress is being made. As a parent, you constantly question yourself. Are you pushing too hard? Are you not pushing enough? Are you helping them grow, or leading them in the wrong direction?
Through those years, his coaches and teammates made a huge difference. They helped carry him through some of the toughest moments. One thing we always tried to remind him, and all of our kids, is that this journey is about their personal growth, not anyone else’s. It’s not always about winning. Sometimes it’s simply about feeling proud of yourself, learning perseverance, and enjoying the ride along the way.
When I look back now, what stands out most is not the medals or scores, but the consistency. Honestly, it still makes me laugh a little, in the best way, that Audio became the longest-standing boys team athlete in our company’s history. He was never the kid everyone expected to become “the best.” He wasn’t always the top gymnast in the room. But he kept showing up. Year after year, he stayed committed, and over time, he grew into an incredible athlete training at a very high level.
His story is such a reminder that consistency and dedication truly matter. Talent is important, but perseverance can take you farther than people realize.
One of my favorite pieces of advice I ever heard came from an Olympian’s mother. She said, “Don’t quit on your worst day. Quit on a good day, on your own terms.” I’ve always loved that perspective because it reminds athletes to make decisions from clarity rather than frustration. If you walk away after giving it your all, you can leave peacefully knowing you fully experienced the journey. -Melanie Gundert
The Coaches Who Helped Raise Him
When people see an athlete’s accomplishments, they often see the athlete. What they don’t always see are the coaches who helped shape that athlete over the years.
Coach Matt was Audio’s very first coach. He has the patience of a saint, and Audio will always remember his kindness. When he first entered the gym as a shy five-year-old, Coach Matt helped make gymnastics feel fun, safe, and exciting.
Coach Moctezuma became like another father to Audio. He coached him through Levels 4 and 5 and continued helping guide him through Levels 7 through 10. Some of Audio’s strongest fundamentals can be traced back to those early years under Mocte’s instruction. Beyond the technical side of gymnastics, he also had a tremendous influence on Audio’s attitude, work ethic, and outlook on life.
Coach Gabe was a steady force throughout the Level 7 through Level 10 years. His passion for coaching and genuine care for his athletes helped Audio navigate some of the most demanding years of his gymnastics career. We are incredibly grateful for Coach Gabe's influence.
Audio also credits Coach Olin and Coach Yaro as major influences. Coach Yaro joined the program during Audio’s final year and played an important role in helping him reach the highest levels of Level 10 gymnastics.
Looking back, these coaches became much more than coaches. They became mentors, role models, and trusted adults. We entrusted them with thousands of hours of our son’s life. In many ways, these boys' team coaches helped co-parent our children, and we are eternally grateful for the influence they have had not only on Audio but on all of our kids.
Daniel also had the unique experience of coaching Audio through two years of Level 6. Being both a stepfather and a coach was rewarding and challenging at the same time. There were difficult conversations, higher expectations, and moments where the lines between coach and parent blurred. Looking back now, however, those years are memories we both cherish.
Lessons Through Adversity
Like most long-term athletes, Audio dealt with injuries and setbacks along the way. Ironically, some of his most significant injuries didn’t happen in gymnastics. He broke his arm in third grade at school and broke it again in sixth grade while playing at a park. He also dealt with elbow pain from rings and a sprained foot during his senior year.
Yet despite competing for thirteen years and reaching Level 10, he avoided many of the overuse injuries often associated with high-level gymnastics.
We believe a big reason for that was North County Gymnastics’ philosophy of quality over quantity. The focus was always on smart progressions, proper technique, and creating an environment where athletes could train hard while reducing unnecessary wear and tear. Athletes benefited from softer training surfaces, such as bungees, tumbling tracks, trampolines, rod floors, Aussie beds, foam pits, and other equipment that allow high repetitions with less impact.
One of Audio’s proudest memories came after working through an injury and ultimately becoming a Western National Champion on Vault. That experience reinforced one of the biggest lessons gymnastics taught him: difficult seasons often lead to rewarding outcomes if you’re willing to stay the course.
More Than Medals
Audio’s accomplishments are impressive.
Two-Time Level 10 National Championships Qualifier
Level 7 Regional Vault Champion
Level 7 Western Championships Vault Champion
Level 9 State Vault Champion
Level 9 Regional Vault Champion
Level 9 Western Championships Vault Champion
Level 9 All-Star Team Member
Yet when asked about his favorite memories, Audio doesn’t mention championships first.
He talks about friendships.
Over thirteen years, he built close bonds with teammates who became some of his closest friends. They trained together, traveled together, competed together, and grew up together. Many of those friendships span nearly a decade.
The little boy who once walked into the gym feeling nervous eventually became a role model for younger boys coming through the program. He understood what they were experiencing because he had once stood in their shoes. Through his consistency, work ethic, and positive attitude, he became someone younger athletes looked up to.
The Final Meet
Audio’s final competition took place at the Level 10 National Championships in Oklahoma on May 8th, 2026.
Another special part of that competition was that he and his level 10 brother, Axel, were able to compete together. Both athletes had pushed through minor injuries leading up to Nationals, making it especially meaningful to share that experience side by side.
Watching them compete together on one of the biggest stages in gymnastics was a moment our family will never forget.
For Melanie, it was impossible not to think about the little boy who first walked into the gym years ago. Watching him compete with confidence and surety brought tears to her eyes. Her baby was no longer a little boy. He had become a young man.
The timing made the moment even more emotional. Just three weeks earlier, Melanie had given birth to her sixth child. As one child was preparing to leave the nest, another had just entered it. One chapter was ending while another was beginning.
For Daniel, watching Audio salute the judges for the final time brought a flood of emotions. Pride, gratitude, nostalgia, and appreciation all at once. He wasn’t just watching an athlete finish a gymnastics career. He was watching a young man he had helped coach and raise step confidently into adulthood.
The Next Chapter
Today, Melanie would describe Audio as kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring. He enjoys learning, values relationships, and genuinely wants to help other people.
Daniel would describe him as perseverant, dedicated, dependable, and selfless. Since earning his driver’s license, he has spent countless hours driving younger siblings to practices, competitions, and activities. He has been a big brother, a mentor, a teammate, and sometimes even the family taxi driver.
Most importantly, he has become a great human being.
This fall, Audio will attend Arizona State University, where he plans to study psychology. He chose ASU because it allows him to stay relatively close to home while continuing to pursue opportunities in gymnastics. He already knows several of the team's athletes and is excited for the next phase of his life.
When asked what he’ll miss most about North County Gymnastics, Audio didn’t mention medals, scores, or championships.
He talked about home.
He talked about the friendships that became lifelong bonds.
He talked about the coaches he grew to love and respect over the years.
He talked about the feeling of belonging.
For thirteen years, North County Gymnastics was much more than a gym. It was a second home.
One of our favorite Maya Angelou quotes says:
“Once you step over my doorsill, you’ve been raised. You know the difference between right and wrong. Do right. And remember this: you can always come home.”
That’s exactly how we hope Audio feels about North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids.
For more than thirteen years, this facility has been his second home.
It is where he grew up.
It is where he learned confidence.
It is where he learned perseverance.
It is where he learned how to do hard things.
It is where lifelong friendships were formed.
It is where coaches invested in him and helped shape his future.
And no matter where life takes him next, this will always be a place where he belongs.
We are grateful for every coach, teammate, parent, and friend who played a role in his journey.
Most of all, we are grateful for the little boy who kept showing up and became the young man we are so proud of today.
By Daniel & Melanie Gundert: Owners of North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids, former gymnasts, lifelong coaches, former gymnastics judges, and parents to five competitive gymnasts.
Quick Links
• Competitive gymnastics training→]
• Register for a free trial class today→]
• Recreational versus team: which is better for my child?→]
• Learn more about GK's no registration or annual fees pricing model→]
• Gymnastics mindset training→]
• Why Families Choose Gyminny Kids→]
Where does North County Gymnastics train competitive athletes?
North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids trains competitive gymnastics athletes at multiple San Diego locations, including:
Proudly Serving Families In:
• 4S Ranch
• Poway
• Carlsbad
• La Costa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Audio compete in gymnastics?
Audio competed for 13 years, beginning as a five-year-old Level 3 athlete and finishing as a two-time Level 10 National Championships qualifier.
What made Audio’s journey unique?
Audio became the longest-standing boys team athlete in North County Gymnastics history, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and commitment over more than a decade.
Who were the coaches who impacted Audio the most?
Audio credits Coach Matt, Coach Moctezuma, Coach Gabe, Coach Olin, and Coach Yaro as some of the most influential coaches throughout his gymnastics career.
What was Audio’s greatest gymnastics accomplishment?
While Audio earned numerous championships and qualified for Level 10 Nationals twice, one of his proudest moments was overcoming an injury and later becoming a National Champion on Vault in the same year.
What lessons did gymnastics teach Audio?
Gymnastics taught him resilience, discipline, perseverance, confidence, leadership, and the importance of working through difficult challenges to achieve meaningful goals.
Where is Audio attending college?
Audio will attend Arizona State University, where he plans to study psychology and pursue opportunities to continue gymnastics.
Why do athletes stay in gymnastics for so many years?
Many athletes remain involved because of the friendships, mentorship, personal growth, and sense of community that develop through years of training and competition.
