July 5th, 2025, 3pm MDT
Bentley Watson was swinging around Hiber and practicing for the national gymnastics competition set five days later. His left arm stopped coldly as his body continued to spin.
snap.
In what is called the “grip lock,” Bentley’s arm remained still, but the rest of his body continued to spin, becoming a 13-year-old child from Canton, Georgia, breaking the bones of his left arm and additional bones on his wrist.
“It’s like rolling a cinnamon roll,” explains Bentley’s father and President of Marietta Georgia Stake, President James Watson, who said his son was locked up and the coach could throw him back and unlock him the grip lock and put him under.
Bentley coach Felipe Mendonza explained that such injuries can be traumatic to both the injured and those who witnessed the injury.
Griplock injuries are often career-ending, but for Bentley, it caused a change that made him better than ever.
From broken bones to top domestic
After this April 2024 injury, his time competed in six different gymnastics events that he had to pause while recovering the floor, pommel horse, ring, vault, parallel bar and hiber.
Disappointed and in pain, Bentley’s physical therapy helped him to recognize the power of prayer. In an interview with Church News, Bentley testified, “It was mainly my connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
He added: “I prayed every night. Whenever there was a problem, I prayed with quorum and with my family.
After completing physical therapy, Mendonza explained that Bentley’s work had just begun.
On his first day back at the gym, Bentley leapt into the hiber to surprise everyone.
Before the injury, Bentley was ranked at level 9 of 10. This means that he and his coach can create custom routines for his competition. When he returned and started working, his routine was simplified and he was able to regain strength and confidence.
And the strength and confidence that Bentley has acquired. “Bentley was an important part of the people who are second in the Nationals,” Mendonsa said.
In May 2025, Bentley’s team finished second in the 2025 Men’s Development Program National Championship in Salt Lake City. His personal efforts also paid off with a ninth place finish.
And he’s gotten even better from the injury. Currently, Bentley has been promoted to level 10. This is the highest level of gymnast age. He hopes to arrive at the Nationals in the next four years of high school and eventually reach the college team.
Bishop Stephen Raleigh, bishop of the Macedonian and Bentley, explained that working through the injury helped him grow.
But Bentley didn’t do it alone. “Everyone was a big champion for him,” Watson explained. When Bentley held a local competition, 30 or 40 members of the Ward came to see him and encourage him.
Christ-like example
But Bentley is more than an award-winning athlete.
As teacher President Qualum, Bentley strives to become a pastor like Christ in his ward for youth.
Angie Dustin, mother of Allen and Abram Dustin, said they both were with Bentley and teacher President Qualum. “Ben is the boy who answers my prayers,” he said.
With Bentley, her son and other Quorum members in mind, she continued.
Efforts to illustrate examples like Christ, Bentley and Allen have created the goal of taking their testimony often at fast, testimony meetings. On Sunday morning, Allen received a text from Bentley. And I’ve always been nervous, so I’m always nervous.
Abram said Bentley “has a strong testimony,” adding that he is a Christ-like example of Service. “He always tries to cheer people up, he is always out and checking you out and seeing what you are doing.
Bentley and his President Qualum have set the goal of planning a monthly temple trip.
President Watson said with his brother, Bentley began his first competition, saying, “I started this little competition and whenever I receive something, “Thank you.”
“He leads by service, leads by example, leads by empathy, leads by kindness,” President Watson said. “He’s a good kid.”
Getting closer to Christ through this injury helped Bentley grow with confidence in his testimony. He said, “After this happened, I was definitely more open about my testimony. It really added a lot to me.”
