From Donegal to Disney: journey from gymnast to international coach and performer

Killygordon man Dario Angelo McCormick has built an extraordinary international career as an elite gymnastics coach, athlete, and performer. 

From representing Ireland on the world stage to starring in Hollywood blockbusters, his journey reflects both local pride and global achievement.

Dario’s passion for gymnastics began in Donegal, where he trained under Carolanne Tighe, then President of Gymnastics for All at Gymnastics Ireland.

“Donegal is where it all started for me - the community, the coaching, and the inspiration,” says Dario. “Every time I step onto a film set or into a training hall, I carry that Donegal spirit with me.”

His talent quickly shone through, earning him a place on the Irish National Team at the FIG World Gym for Life Challenge in Dornbirn, Austria, in 2009, where the squad placed third. By the same year, he was already assisting with national team coaching duties, choreographing routines and mentoring younger athletes.

His international rise continued at the FIG World Gymnaestrada in Lausanne, Switzerland (2011), before training with Olympic gymnast and coach Luke Carson at Salto Gymnastics Club in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. This early exposure to world-class coaching shaped the innovative style that would define his own career.

Dario later expanded his competitive résumé to cheerleading, where he was selected for the inaugural Team England Coed Elite at the ICU World Championships in Florida (2014), finishing fifth in the world.

As a coach, Dario transformed the University of London Gymnastics Team into a powerhouse, leading them to national titles with his rigorous training methods and choreography.

Beyond sport, his skills carried him into the entertainment industry. Dario was one of just 16 athletes worldwide chosen for Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack (Universal Pictures), later appearing in Disney’s billion-dollar box office hit Aladdin and international productions including Jaya Janaki Nayaka in India.

Today, with experience across Ireland, the UK, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa, the United States, and India, Donegal’s own Dario Angelo McCormick is recognized as a world-class coach and performer whose unique career bridges competitive sport and global entertainment.