Kelsey Knutson was born on February 4, 1988. She is the daughter of Dan and Carol Knutson. She has two siblings, Nick and Danielle. She trained at Cardinal Gymnastics Academy during her club career. She began gymnastics in 1994 at age six. Kelsey graduated from Ames High School in 2005.

In 1999, Kelsey competed as a level nine. She finished fifth on beam at Westerns. She only did two events. By 2001, Kelsey was competing as a level ten. She was named Iowa Gymnast of the Year. At JO Nationals, she finished in the top thirty. In 2003, Kelsey was named Iowa Gymnast of the Year again. She finished third all-around at JO Nationals. She only competed on vault and floor at the 2004 JO National Championships. Kelsey finished first all-around at the Iowa State Championships in 2005. She finished fourth on beam at JO Nationals. She was named Iowa Gymnast of the Year for the third time.

As a freshman at the University of Michigan, Kelsey competed on bars and beam throughout the season. She finished third all-around at the State of Michigan Classic. After her freshman year, she had PCL reconstructive surgery. She continued to produce great results as a sophomore. She was named an Academic All-Big Ten. For the second time, Kelsey received a U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award. She also earned two team awards: the U-M Co-Coaches Award and U-M 10.0 Club Spirit.

She competed on beam her second year. She won her first collegiate title against Michigan State. She won beam again at the State of Michigan Classic. Against NC State, Kelsey placed second on beam. She won beam again in a big upset win against Georgia. During warmups at Regionals, she tore her ACL and MCL. During her junior season, she competed on bars three times and beam eight times. She won beam in a tri meet against both NC State and Kent State. She finished third against Florida.

Fast Facts Name: Kelsey Knutson Birthday: February 4, 1988 Club: Cardinal College: Michigan Michigan Booster Club

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full scholarship to Michigan 2005: JO Nationals- 4th BB 2005: Level 10 State Champion 2003: JO Nationals- 3rd AA 1998, 1999: TOPs National Team

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