Courtney McCool - Biography

Last Editor: Twilson				Courtney McCool Biography -   Name : Courtney McCool Birth date : April 1, 1988 (16 years old) Residence : Lee's Summit, Missouri Family : Dad - Mike (interior designer), Mom - Linda (teacher), brother - Michael (18 years old), sister - Morgan (12 years old)

Courtney McCool Trivia -

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Courtney McCool Detailed Biography -

Sixteen year old Courtney McCool spends over 35 hours a week training at Great American Gymnastics Express in Blue Springs, Missouri. After winning the Level 10 National title in 2001, Courtney moved up to the highest level of gymnastics, becoming a junior international elite in 2002. Though a foot injury in 2002 kept her from performing to her full potential, she was still able to qualify for her first US Championships. There she finished 17th all-around - missing a spot on the National team by less than a tenth of a point. "I guess there's two ways to look at what happened to me," she said. "You can think, 'I finished 17th, I give up.' Or, you can think 'I finished 17th and came so close that I'm going to work harder.' Well, believe me, I'm going to work harder." The hard work paid off and Courtney came back for the 2003 season with more difficulty and higher start values that earned her better scores. Courtney finished 2nd all-around in almost every competition leading up to Nationals, where she earned the silver medal on vault, beam, and in the all-around. She continued her successful season at the Pan American Games where she won the silver on vault and helped the US win the team title. As the Olympic year began, Courtney was not yet recognized as one of the front runners for the 2004 Olympic Team. That changed, however, when National Team coordinator Marta Karolyi recognized her talent, giving her the chance to represent the US at the prestigious American Cup in early 2004. Courtney did not disappoint, finishing second in the all-around to 2003 World Silver Medalist Carly Patterson. "Being the least experienced competitor wasn't a factor for me," Courtney said after the competition. "I've proved that I can compete at this level." Not only could Courtney compete at the highest level, but she could win. The US sent her to Athens, Greece for the Olympic Test Even a few weeks after American Cup. Courtney won the all-around competition and was the only gymnast to qualify for all four event finals, winning the silver on vault and bronze on bars. The gymnastics world officially took notice of Courtney; dozens of coaches and judges commented on her beautiful form and execution. A few months later, Courtney went on to finish fourth in the all-around, second on floor, and third on beam in her first US National Championships as a senior gymnast. Three weeks later, her lifelong dream came true. Courtney finished second in the all-around at US Olympic Trials, securing her position on the US Olympic Team. "I just can't believe something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl is about to happen. It's all so exciting... I'm going to the Olympics," she said. In Athens, Courtney was part of one of the greatest US gymnastics teams in history. They earned a silver medal for their performance - the second highest finish for the US in a fully attended Olympic Games! Courtney was also able to submit her original beam mount to the Code of Points, and it has now been officially named the McCool! She may be an Olympic medallist, but outside the gym Courtney is just another teenager at Lee's Summit North High School. She lists her favorite subjects as P.E. and science and has an interest in becoming a veterinarian. "I was a bit overwhelmed the first time two girls asked for my autograph," Courtney remembers. "I was wondering why they would want my autograph. Now it is very flattering. I pray that my actions are a good example for other girls in life as well as gymnastics."