From the age of thirteen to sixteen, Courtney McCool spent 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 prevented her from competing at full potential that year, she was able to qualify for her first US Championships. There she finished 17th all-around - missing a spot on the Junior National Team by less than a tenth of a point.

    "I guess there are 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."

    In 2003, Courtney came back strong with her trademark precision and grace, as well as more difficult routines that earned higher scores. She finished 2nd all-around in almost every competition leading up to the Junior US Championships where she won the silver medal on vault, beam, and in the all-around. This was quite an accomplishment for someone that was 15 positions lower just one year before! Courtney continued her wave of success at her first international competition, the 2003 Pan American Games. There she contributed scores on vault, bars, and beam to help the US earn the 2003 Pan American Game Championship title. 

    As the Olympic year began, Courtney was not yet recognized as one of the front runners for the 2004 Olympic Team. However, that changed when National Team Coordinator Marta Karolyi recognized Courtney's talent and chose her to represent the US at the prestigious American Cup in February. The world took notice as Courtney won the silver medal in the all-around and on vault and floor.

    "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. A few weeks after American Cup, Courtney was sent to Athens, Greece to represent the US at the Olympic Test Event. Courtney won the all-around competition and was the only gymnast to qualify for all four event finals! The gymnastics world had officially taken notice; dozens of coaches and judges commented on Courtney's 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. At Olympic Trials, she moved up to second place in the nation, automatically securing a spot on the 2004 US Olympic Team. 

    Courtney told reporters, "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."

    In Athens, Courtney was part of one of the greatest US gymnastics teams in history. She and teammates Mohini Bhardwaj, Annia Hatch, Terin Humphrey, Courtney Kupets, and Carly Patterson earned the silver medal - 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, which was officially named The McCool. 

    Courtney may have been an Olympic medallist with a dedicated fan base, but outside the gym she was just another sixteen-year-old at Lee's Summit North High School.

    "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."

   Following her high school graduation in June 2006, Courtney began college at The University of Georgia where she is on a full gymnastics scholarship. The Georgia gymnastics team is ranked as one of the highest in the country, and Courtney hopes to contribute to another NCAA championship title. As for her future in elite gymnastics, a comeback is not out of the question. With her drive, talent, and near perfection, Courtney is sure to succeed at any level.