Chelsa Autumn Byrd was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 23, 1982. She is the daughter of Cedric and Phyllis. Her younger brother Chandler also participated in sports. She began gymnastics in 1988. She trained at River City Gymnastics under Coach Jamie Russenberger.

Chelsa made the JO National Championships in 1997. Later that year she made national elite. She finished fourth all-around at the US Challenge. Her next meet was the National Gymnastics Festival. The meet was held in Seattle, Washington. Chelsa placed fourth all-around and third on vault. Her last meet of the season was the Malor Cup in Sweden. Chelsa performed very well by winning the all-around and a bronze on vault.

She began competing as an international elite in 1998. At the US Classic in San Antonio, Texas she placed tenth all-around. The highlight of the weekend was getting the silver on the uneven bars. Her performance at the US Classic qualified her to the US Championships. In Indianapolis, Chelsa placed 17th all-around and sixth on bars. After Nationals she travelled to Italy for the Como Cup. Chelsa did well enough for sixth all-around.

In 2000, she competed as a level 10. At the Regional Championships she placed second all-around and first on vault and beam. After Regionals she travelled to Michigan for the JO Nationals. Chelsa did well enough for two firsts on vault and floor.

In the fall of 2000, she began attending the University of Georgia. In her freshman year she was a Second team All-American on the uneven bars. She was also a second-team member for All-SEC. Chelsa was a regular contributor on vault, bars and floor. In 2002 she made First Team All-American on vault and bars. Chelsa struggled with foot fractures and broken fingers but was able to score her first perfect ten on vault.

She had a fantastic sophomore season in 2003. She finished the season ranked second on vault and third on floor. She was awarded the SEC Athlete of the year after being SEC Athlete of the Week three times. Chelsa picked up two more first team All-American honors on vault and floor. She was the SEC vault and floor champion. At the Regional Championships she was the all-around, vault and floor champion as well.

As a senior in 2004 Chelsa was first team All-American on floor and vault and second-team on bars. She was also named to All-SEC. Chelsa had three tens, one on vault and two on floor. Chelsa finished her career with six perfect tens.

Fast Facts Name: Chelsa Byrd Birthday: August 23, 1982 Club: River City College: Georgia Georgia

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to Georgia 1997: Malor Cup Champion 1997: National Festival- 4th AA 1997: US Challenge- 4th AA

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Photos © Lloyd Smith