Lindsey Anne Vanden Eykel was born in Torrance, California, on March 20, 1986. She is the daughter of Ilk and Cathy. She has two brothers named Eric and Steven. She began gymnastics in 1993 with Plano Acrobats. She began training at World Olympic Gymnastics Academy in 1995. Lindsey trained there until she went to UCLA for school.

In 1999, Lindsey became a junior international elite. She finished in the top ten all-around at the American Classic. She finished third all-around and first on uneven bars at the US Classic. Lindsey had a great competition at the US National Championships. She finished fifth all-around and won bars! After Nationals, she went to Australia to compete at the Canberra Cup. She finished fourth all-around. Lindsey won two silvers, one on vault and the other on bars.

In 2000, Lindsey won bars and beam at the Krafft Invitational and Plano Classic. Her first elite meet of the season was the Plano Classic. She finished second all-around and first on uneven bars. At the Pikes Peak Cup, Lindsey won bars. She went to two international events in Europe. At the Monteforte Friendly Cup, she finished second all-around and first on bars. At the Como Cup, Lindsey won the all-around title. She competed at the US Classic in the summer. She finished fourth all-around and first on bars. At Nationals, Lindsey finished fifth all-around and first on bars again. She was chosen for the International Team Championships and USA vs. France international competitions.

Her final year as a junior international elite was in 2001. She finished fourth on bars at the WOGA Classic. At the US Classic, Lindsey placed 14th all-around. This finish qualified her for the US National Championships. At Nationals, Lindsey had many falls.

She became a senior international elite in 2002. At the WOGA Classic, she finished third all-around and first on bars. Her first senior elite meet was the National Podium Meet. She finished sixth all-around. Lindsey finished seventh all-around at the American Classic. She only competed two events at the US Classic. Lindsey could not compete at Nationals because of an injury. In the winter, she went to the Arques Tournament and Voronin Cup. She won bars at the Arques Tournament.

In 2003, she competed at the WOGA Classic and Parkette Invitational. She finished fourth all-around at the Parkette Invite. She only did two events at the National Elite Podium Meet. At the American Classic, Lindsey placed in the top ten all-around. Unfortunately, she had to have surgery, which caused her to miss most of the season. In 2004, Lindsey continued to struggle with injuries.

She moved to California to attend UCLA in the fall of 2004. Lindsey competed on bars, beam and floor at several meets throughout the season. She helped UCLA win the PAC-10 Championships and Western Regional Title. Lindsey competed on bars and beam in the super six finals. She retired because of a shoulder injury.

Fast Facts Name: Lindsey Vanden Eykel Birthday: March 20, 1986 Club: WOGA College: UCLA UCLA

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to UCLA Six Time US National Qualifier 2000: US National Bar Champion 2000: Como Cup Champion 2000: American Classic- 2nd AA 1999: US National Bar Champion 1999: US Classic- 3rd AA

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Photos © Pam Mayer & Lloyd Smith