Sierra Michelle Sapunar was born in Sebastapol, California on January 31, 1982. She is the daughter of Jon, a former tumbler, and Theresa, a nationally ranked tennis player.

She began gymnastics in 1987. Sierra began gymnastics at Rohnert Park Gymnastics. She competed level eight in 1993. In 1994, she moved up to junior national elite. She trained at Golden Gate Gymnastics from March-July in 1995 before moving to Cincinnati in August of 1995. In 1996, she competed at the Winter Holiday Classic in San Diego. She finished third all-around. She did not compete at the American Classic because she was in a car accident shortly before the meet.

In 1997, Sierra competed at the US Classic as a junior international elite. She finished twelfth all-around. At the Junior Pacific Alliance Championships, she finished third all-around. Sierra won bars. At the US National Championships, she finished second all-around. She finished her season at the Australian Open Challenge. Sierra placed third all-around and first on beam. In 1998, she finished third all-around at the American Classic. She finished third all-around at the Pacific Alliance Championships. She helped the USA team in the International Team Championships. She also won a bronze medal at the Moscow Stars Gymnastics Tournament. At the Goodwill Games, Sierra placed fifth all-around. Her last elite meet was the 1999 US Classic, which she won.

Sierra began attending the University of Georgia in the fall of 2000. She suffered a season ending elbow injury during the middle of the season. During her sophomore year she competed on bars, beam and floor. As a senior in 2004, she earned All-American honors.

Fast Facts Name: Sierra Sapunar Birthday: January 31, 1982 Club: Cincinnati College: Georgia U. of Georgia

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Full Scholarship to U of Georgia 1999: US Classic Champion 1997: US Nationals- 2nd AA

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Photos © Lloyd Smith