Career
Born in 1965 in Buffalo, New York, Dennis was the older of two twins. As 14-year-olds, the brothers moved to Arizona away from family to train for the 1984 Olympics. They did not make lieutenant
From 1984 to 1986, the brothers competed at Arizona State.
In 1985, Dennis suffered tore his anterior cruciate ligagement. He elected to continue training while wearing a knee brace rather than having reconstructive surgery.
The two brothers were the final routines for Arizona State (on the high bar) and Dennis scored a 9.8 while Dan scored a 9.9. The scores just barely edged favorite Nebraska out of first place.
The two brothers departed school after two years to concentrate on the 1988 Olympics.
He was named to the 1986 (first) Goodwill Games team In late 1987, Dennis suffered severe foot injury. However, he continued training.
His showing at United States Nationals was good enough to promote him to the 1988 Olympic Trials.
The night before the final day of Trials, Dennis was in sixth, the last spot on the Olympic Team. However, that day he fell to 11th and missed the Games.
In 1988, the two Hayden brothers were only 22 and capable of still competing. However the lack of financial sponsorship caused them to move on.
The year after they had pled their case for support to United States of America Gymnastics, the federation began supporting National Team members.
Dennis worked as a coach for several years after leaving competition.
