Gymnastics is a demanding sport and when involved at international and world competitive levels it requires the guidance and direction of an inspired coach and leader. These are the hallmark qualities of David Allan Arnold.

He came to Burlington in 1986 as the Head Coach of the Burlington Boy's Gymnastics Club and remained in that role for 15 demanding years, finally retiring in 2001. Prior to arriving here, he had already established himself as being pre-eminent in the field, competing as a member of the Canadian Gymnastics Team from 1977 to 1983 and coaching the Canadian Men's Gymnastics National Team from 1984 to 2001.

He led our National Men's Gym Team into three Olympics including 1988 in Seoul, 1992 in Barcelona, and in 1996 in Atlanta. As well he coached the Canadian Team in seven World Championships on three continents in seven different countries.

On top of this he was the Men's Gymnastics Team Coach in the 1990 Commonwealth Games where the Canadian team won a Gold Medal; again in 1994 in Victoria where they again won a Gold Medal; finally in 1998 in Malaysia where the team won bronze. In between, he managed to squeeze in enough time to coach the Men's Canadian Team in the 1987 and 1995 Pan American Games.

David has received innumerable awards, but perhaps none is more noteworthy than that bestowed on him by his peers, the Canadian Gymnastics Coach of the Year, and four times no less.

What this level of intense involvement requires is not only a high level of knowledge, both technical and artistic but also a very high level of organization, discipline, diligence, and energy. What results is inspired instruction and leadership that, in turn, provides young athletes with the direction and support they need to compete on the world stage. We in Burlington and many across this country owe a huge debt of gratitude to David Arnold for his unparalleled commitment to excellence.