Marcia Newby was born on March 8, 1988 in Norfolk, Virginia to Olivia (nurse practitioner) and James (doctor). She has an older brother, James, who plays football and basketball. James was born on May 3, 1986, making him two years older. Marcia’s favorite school subject is math. Her favorite book is the Lord of the Rings. She enjoys listening to music by Brandy. Marcia’s role model is Olympian Dominique Dawes. Marcia would like to pursue a career in medicine.

Her gymnastics career began in 1994. Marcia participated in the TOPS program in 1999; She made it to the National TOP Testing. By 2000 Marcia was competing as a child national elite. Her first national meet was the American Challenge. She finished third overall. At the US Challenge, she placed fifth overall. By doing well in both of those competitions she qualified to the National Gymnastics Festival to be held in Oklahoma. At that meet she placed second overall.

Marcia moved up to the junior international elite level in 2001. At her first meet, the US Classic, she finished 31st. Marcia continued her quest in 2002. This time, the results would be different. She started her season by placing sixth all-around at the National Elite Podium Meet. Marcia struggled at the American Classic to place 23rd. Things went well for her at the US Classic. She placed 12th all-around and qualified to the US National Championships. The US National Championships is a two-day event. Marcia performed strongly and placed seventh all-around. The top sixteen from this meet made the US National Team.

Her season was not over yet. Marcia was picked to represent the USA in a few international competitions. At the deHypotheekship Gymnastics Top Tournament Marcia placed ninth all-around. She then traveled to Belgium for the TOP Gym. She finished first on floor and bars. In the all-around she was third. Marcia’s next meet was the USA vs. Canada. She helped the team win. To conclude her competition season Marcia competed at the Junior Pan American Championships. She surprised everyone and became the all-around champion.

She moved up to the senior ranks in 2003. Her season started by winning the floor at the National Elite Podium Meet. She then traveled to California for the Pacific Challenge. Marcia placed fifth on floor. Her next meet was against Belgium. Marcia finished second all-around. Her fourth place finish at the US Classic qualified her to the National Championships. She finished ninth all-around and made the National Team for the second year in a row. The top 15 from nationals then went on to a selection camp. At the selection camp they choose the Pan American and World teams. Marcia made the Pan American Games team. She helped the USA team win!

Marcia continued to have great performances through 2004. She started by placing sixth all-around at the National Elite Podium Meet. Marcia improved her performances to place second all-around at the American Classic. She also won the floor competition. Marcia was able to fly to Luxemburg for the FL Gym Open. Marcia placed first on floor and in the all-around. After placing second all-around at the US Classic, Marcia’s chances for the Olympic Team were looking good.

Unfortunately, disaster struck during training for the National Championships. Marcia broke her toe and had to scratch from Nationals. However, she was able to petition to the Olympic Selection Camp. Marcia did not make the Olympic Team but was selected to attend a World Cup Event in Chile. She took home silver on the vault and a bronze on floor.

Marcia suffered a stress fracture in her shin in 2005. She competed at the US Nationals, but was short on training time prior to the event. She spent the rest of 2005 and 2006 resting. In the fall of 2006, Marcia began her college career at the University of Georgia. As a freshman, she was selected as a First-Team All-American on vault. She also competed on bars at the NCAA Championships. She earned a 4.0 gpa. She was named to the SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll as well as being chosen as a NACGC Academic All-American. As a sophomore in 2008, Marcia again earned First-Team All-American honors on vault. She finished sixth in event finals at the NCAA Championships. She competed vault in all but one meet in 2008. She again was picked for Academic All-American honors and SEC Academic Honor Roll. She was named a recipient of the Arthur Asha Sports Scholars Award. Marcia was named a recipient of the Ramsey Scholarship for Academic and Athletic Excellence her junior year.

Fast Facts Name: Marcia Newby Birthday: March 8, 1988 Club: Excalibr College: Georgia Georgia

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to Georgia Three Time US National Team Member Four Time US National Competitor 2004: Olympic Training Squad Member 2004: US Classic- 2nd AA 2004: American Classic- 2nd AA 2003: Pan Am Champion 2002: US Nationals- 7th AA 2001: junior international elite

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Photos © Lloyd Smith