9-Year-Old with Autism Competes at Gymnastics Nationals

For Micah Miner; a 9-year-old boy from Illinois; an autism diagnosis hasn’t held him back from accomplishing great things; particularly in the gymnastics world.

When he was five years old; he took up gymnastics at the Edwardsville YMCA in Illinois. Micah’s father; Maurice; says he struggled with “information overload” during his transition into the gymnastics program; but he soon learned gymnastics was a natural fit for him.

“It’s allowed him to blossom as a social individual;” Maurice told Belleville News-Democrat.

After overcoming his issues with focusing and taking orders from his coach; Micah tested into the advanced class at the YMCA and soon entered a competitive team.

According to Micah’s parents; his autism can both help and hinder his gymnastic abilities. Many children with autism engage in repetitive behaviors; and mastering gymnastics requires a high level of repetition. His parents say Micah will watch videos of himself or other gymnasts for hours; becoming fixated on the ways in which he can improve his own performance.

However; this intense level of concentration can also cause Micah to become upset if he notices any sort of stumbling or extra steps in his performances; which “can hinder him in performance later on;” Maurice says. “Autism is a black-and-white world for him. He’s his own worst critic. With autism; that’s heightened.”

Nonetheless; Micah has excelled in the sport over the last four years; racking up an impressive number of awards. In 2015; Micah won first place in trampoline and rod floor at the Southern Illinois state meet. The following year; he placed first in double mini; trampoline and rod floor in the advanced category at the same Southern Illinois state meet. In 2017; he took first place in the advanced boys 9-10 division in the double mini; trampoline; and rod floor competitions; which officially qualified him as an elite athlete.

Now; from June 20-24; Micah is set to compete at the 2017 U.S. Tumbling and Trampoline Association National Championship in Madison; Wisconsin. Impressively; this will be Micah’s third time competing in nationals.

The Madison County Police Department has honored Micah with Sherriff John Lakin paying him a visit to recognize Micah for his achievements. Lakin says “although Micah is only in fourth grade; his accomplishments speak volumes about his dedication and passion to the sport;” the BN-D reports.

Micah is a bright example of how children with special needs can persevere through their developmental challenges to achieve remarkable things.

“How do I feel doing gymnastics?” Micah says. “Happy.”

The gymnastics star plans to take a break from training after nationals in order to spend more time with his family.