Daniel Hayden competed in the sport of gymnastics for almost for 20 years. He won National Championship titles in both NCAA and USA competition winning the All Around and gold medals in Still Rings, High Bar, and Parallel Bars at the 1988 McDonalds Championships of the USA . He competed in the 1987 World Championships and earned a spot on the 1985 World Team. In the 1986 NCAA Championships, Dan won gold on high bar, silver on pommel horse, bronze for the All Around and contributed to the gold medal team. His 1985 NCAA Championships medals included gold for Parallel Bars and high bar and silver for Floor and the All Around.

Dan was on the Junior Olympic team for 6 years and represented the US Team at international competition for over 4 years. He was an Olympic Alternate in 1988. Together with his twin Dennis, he traveled to over 10 countries representing the US at various international meets.

In 1994 Haydens International Gymnastics Academy was founded by the Hayden family.  Dan and his wife Barbara currently reside in Evans, Ga.