Gymnastics Coach Rob Survick Triumphs Over ALS: A Story of Unrelenting Passion

Rob Survick, a former Sun Devil gymnast and current head coach of the Junior Sun Devils, continues to inspire young athletes despite the challenges posed by his ALS diagnosis. His tenacity underscores a commitment to coaching that goes beyond physical limitations.

Located in Chandler, Arizona, the Aspire gymnastics gym serves as the backdrop for Survick’s coaching. “It’s my job to inspire,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of purpose in achieving success.

Survick, who led the ASU team in the early 2000s, now coaches from a chair, using a microphone to communicate. After detecting a decline in his physical strength during the Youth Olympic Games in 2018, he received an ALS diagnosis in 2020 at the age of 42.

Describing the initial shock of the diagnosis, Rob’s wife, Melissa, recalled their trip to Ohio for tests during the pandemic. She stated, “You’re in this room and it’s the first time I’ve ever experienced the walls are closing in on you.” Rob himself recalled mourning his own life at first but has since shifted his focus toward living fully.

“I made a decision that I was going to keep living life,” he stated resolutely. His determination to coach as long as possible reflects his passion for gymnastics and his commitment to his athletes.

Scott Barclay, the head coach of ASU gymnastics, highlighted Survick’s previous dedication to coaching both at ASU and the junior team for eight-hour days. Without a doubt, he had to make difficult choices about his commitments. Ultimately, he chose to prioritize coaching the younger athletes, recognizing their need for guidance.

Survick also finds joy in coaching his children, including 11-year-old Grace, who aspires to her own success in gymnastics. Grace attributes her fearlessness to her father’s influence, stating, “Without him, I’d probably be really scared of everything.”

Support from friends has proven crucial for Rob. Co-head coach Brian Kern assists him throughout practices, moving him to different areas of the gym and ensuring he can participate effectively. Rob likens the effort to “parting the Red Sea,” highlighting the teamwork involved in helping him engage with the practice fully.

Against all odds, Survick continues to defy life expectancy predictions associated with ALS. “The average life span is three to five years. We’re past that, and I’m not going anywhere,” he declared with conviction.

His legacy, woven into the fabric of the gymnastics community, is reinforced by the admiration of family and friends. “He means so much to all of the people in the gymnastics community,” Kern remarked. Similarly, Barclay noted Survick’s unwavering resolve. “He’s not giving up,” Barclay affirmed.

In the face of adversity, Melissa Survick’s philosophy resonates deeply: “Remember, there’s always beauty in the hard. Just get through what’s hard. There’s something beautiful on the other end of it.” For Rob, the journey remains clear and purposeful. “I have more to give. I’m going to keep giving, and that’s what I want them to really learn from it,” he concluded.