McKenzie, known as Mackie, began her gymnastics career at North Shore Academy of Gymnastics in Cedarburg, Wisconsin (age 2). At the age of five, McKenzie moved to LaFleur Academy of Gymnastics where she competed Levels 4-7 coached by Greg LaFleur and Tammy Donohue. She attended school at St. Francis Borgia from pre-school through 3rd grade. It was during this time that McKenzie got to know an Elite gymnast, whom she looked up to and admired, and decided that some day, she was going to be an Elite gymnast.

With the support of her family and the LaFleur coaches, Mackie, her mom, and her older sister, left Wisconsin and moved 700 miles away to begin training at an Elite gym, Parkettes. Here she made the Level 8 team and after one meet, she was moved to the Level 9 team. During her three years at Parkettes, Mackie was a member of the Tops National Team and competed in levels 9 and 10 where in 2005 she won the Level 10 Region 7 Regional Meet. That same summer, at the age of twelve, McKenzie qualified for International Junior Elite status and competed at the US Classics.

At the end of summer 2005, McKenzie moved back to the Midwest and began training at GAGE. In 2006, she qualified again to junior international elite. Following this she moved to Kansas Gymnastics, Dance, & Cheer (KGDC) under Annie Duncan and James Sampel and continues to work hard in improving her form and presentation. She also returned back to public school.

She returned to level ten in 2008. At the Kansas State Championships, she finished fourth all-around. She placed second on vault and third on floor. At Regionals, she finished eleventh all-around. In 2009, Mackie finished fourth all-around at the New Year Invitational. She improved to third at the Pikes Peak Cup. She won a bronze medal on beam at the Pink Ribbon Invitational. At States, Mackie again finished fourth all-around. She won a silver medal on bars. Mackie missed the 2010 season because of an injury. In July, she returned to Wisconsin and began training at M&M Gymnastics. She committed to Washington at the end of August.

Her best advice is, “Follow your dreams”, “Work hard”, “Never give up”, and “Believe in yourself no matter what others say”. McKenzie is the youngest child having an older sister, Kelsey, who is a great role model, and whom Mackie loves and admires! Kelsey is always there to support Mackie in good times and bad and has never stopped believing in her. McKenzie loves dogs and has a dog named Sawyer. She also loves shopping at Abercrombie, playing cards, and Friday pizza nights with her family.

Fast Facts Name: Mackie Fechter Birthday: Nov. 29, 1992 Club: M&M Level: 10 Official Website

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to Washington 2005, 2006 US Classic Qualifier 2005 L10 Regional Champion 2005 American Challenge: 3rd AA 2004 JO National Qualifier 2002-2003 TOPS "A" National Team

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Photos © Lloyd Smith, Brian Jones & Heather Mayenez