Leonard Montgomery

 
Position: Coach
Gymnastics background:  Ever since I saw gymnastics on T.V. I knew it was what I wanted to do.  I remember as a lad watching the '84 Olympics and seeing all these gymnasts do CRAZY tricks thinking, "I can do that"!  That was the day I learned that mattresses, although soft, do NOT make good trampolines.
Coaching Background:  I started coaching when I was 18 in Charlotte NC.  From there, I went on to start a gymnastics club at UNC - Charlotte.  Upon graduation in 2001, I moved to Atlanta and began coaching at Gym South. 
What is your coaching style, favorite techniques, etc?  Sorry, but good coaches don't tell their coaching secrets!  Just know that my style consists of some "special" skills that are to unique for words.  You will just have to watch for yourself. 
Why did you become a coach?  Believe it or not I never really planned on being a coach.  I went to a gym in Charlotte to do gymnastics and on my first day I was offered a coaching position.  It was gymnastics or money to buy food . . . So I started coaching and have been since then.  As a coach, nothing motivates me more than the look on a child's face when he/she has accomplished a skill that took weeks, months, or even years to obtain.  The expression of victory on their faces and the confidence on knowing that they can do all things is what keeps me coaching.
What do you hope for your gymnasts to get our of their classes?  Talent alone is not what makes a great gymnast.  The combination of talent and character is that makes any athlete into a great one.  So I expect my students to understand that if they work hard, and do the RIGHT thing, then they will excel in everything they do including gymnastics.   
Favorite gymnast, why?  The gymnast that I think embodies talent and sportsmanship is Alexi Nemov.  That guy is awesome no matter what he does.  I always get pumped by his performances.  I also dig the Hamm brothers, McCain, Gatson, Wilson, Yang, and who can forget Kurt Thomas.  Its was actually Thomas that got me into gymnastics.