Known more for her bloopers on the uneven bars, Vanessa Atler was at the forefront of American gymnastics from 1997-2000. Atler’s dynamic vaults, explosive tumbling and expressive dance captured the attention of the media and gymnastics fans alike. She is also the first woman to compete a handspring layout Rudi on vault. Vanessa Marie Atler was born February 17, 1982 in Valencia, California. Atler’s mother took her to a gymnastics class when she was 5 years old, and Atler was hooked. After taking classes at local clubs, she moved to AV Twisters in Palmdale, California. There Atler met a gymnast named Jamie Dantzscher, and the two became good friends and teammates. Atler and Dantzscher quickly progressed to the Elite level, winning almost every competition they entered. Atler and Dantzscher switched to Charter Oak when they went to have Beth Rybacki choreograph floor routines. The girls liked the atmosphere so much they decided to switch gyms. Under Beth and Steve Rybacki’s tutelage, Atler finished third all-around in the junior division of the 1994 U.S. Classic. Just two years later, Atler was the junior National Champion. Atler established herself as a favorite for the 2000 Olympics during the 1997 American Cup, where she took second all-around, as well as gold on vault and beam. Months later, her difficult and original gymnastics earned her a share of the national title with Kristy Powell. Atler had good results internationally during 1998, winning vault and floor titles at the Pacific Alliance Championships and the Goodwill Games, as well as the all-around, vault and floor at the Australia Cup. At the 1999 U.S. National Championships, Atler finished second all-around, first on vault and first on beam. Just after the 1999 U.S. Championships, she switched to World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) to be coached by Valeri Liukin. She qualified for that year’s World Championships team, but was hampered by an injured ankle. The U.S. team finished sixth, and Atler placed 31st all-around. |