Ariana Berlin facts for kids

Ariana Alyse Berlin Rotstein, born on October 29, 1987, is an amazing American artistic gymnast and dancer. She also works as a senior producer at Fox Sports. Ariana competed for the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins gymnastics team from 2006 to 2009.

Early Life and Gymnastics

Ariana Berlin grew up in San Diego, California. Her parents are Howard and Susan Berlin. From a young age, Ariana trained hard in gymnastics. She practiced at Southern California Elite Gymnastics Academy and South Coast Gymnastics. In 1999, she became the Level 9 All-around champion. She also placed second on the uneven bars at the Western National Championships.

Overcoming Challenges

In 2001, Ariana faced a very difficult challenge. She was in a serious car accident. This accident caused many broken bones and lung injuries. Doctors were not sure if she would be able to do gymnastics again. Despite this, Ariana worked hard to recover. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 2005.

Recovery Through Dance

After her accident, it was tough for Ariana to get back into intense gymnastics training. So, she found a new way to move and express herself. She joined a breakdance group in San Diego called Culture Shock. They performed at SeaWorld San Diego.

A New Opportunity

While performing at SeaWorld, Ariana met Valorie Kondos Field. Valorie was the head coach for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. She was choreographing a show for SeaWorld Summer Nights. Coach Kondos Field saw Ariana's talent and encouraged her. She invited Ariana to try out for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. This was a chance for Ariana to return to gymnastics.

UCLA Gymnastics Career

Ariana started at UCLA in 2005. For her first year, the 2005–06 season, she joined the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team as a walk-on. This means she joined without a scholarship at first. However, her hard work and talent quickly paid off. She earned a full scholarship for the 2006–07 season.

A Star Gymnast

Ariana became one of UCLA's most consistent and successful gymnasts. She earned the title of a four-time All-American. This is a special honor for top college athletes. Ariana studied World Arts and Cultures at UCLA. She focused on dance and graduated in 2009.

Film and TV Work

After her gymnastics career, Ariana used her skills in a new way. She became a stunt performer for TV shows and movies. In 2009, she worked on an episode of Three Rivers.

Stunt Performer Roles

In 2010, Ariana performed stunts for several popular TV shows. These included NCIS: Los Angeles, Shake It Up!, 90210, and Make It or Break It. She also worked as a stunt double for actors in shows like Switched at Birth, The Fosters, and Greek. Ariana was also a stunt double in the movie Honey 2.

Her Story on Screen

Ariana's inspiring life story was even turned into a TV movie. It is called Full Out: The Ariana Berlin Movie. Famous actors like Jennifer Beals and Ana Golja starred in the film. Ariana herself played an assistant UCLA coach in the movie. She also performed the stunts for Ana Golja, who played Ariana in the film.