Super Soo Athlete: Shelby MacDonald

Name: Shelby MacDonald Age: 14 Years Involved: 12 years Favorite Event: Beam Quote: “If you want something bad enough go after it.”

Shelby has been a hard working and dedicated gymnast for many years. She even made her debut at the Canadian National Championships in Calgary three years ago. She is actively involved in other sports and she is a very dedicated student. SooToday reporter Tyler Simpson had a chance to sit down for a brief interview with Shelby.

Shelby shows amazing form on the beam.

TS – What got you involved in gymnastics? SM – When I was little I used to swing off the cupboard doors so my parents thought gymnastics would be the perfect sport for me. TS – Who was your favorite coach?? SM - Mike Lemiuex because he is really disciplined and he is really educated. He knows a lot about the sport.

TS – What is your training schedule like?? SM - I train eighteen hours a week with tumbling so I come Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun. On Sunday I go for 6 ½ hours because I have tumbling.

TS – What are your future goals in this sport? SM – I would like to get a scholariship, a full ride to (school) in the States.

TS – Who is your role model in gymnastics? SM- Shanna Duggan because she is a really good role model. She is a really talented gymnast with good morals and values.

TS – What is your favorite move to perform? SM – A double back tuck on floor.

TS – What are your hobbies outside of gymnastics? SM – Any other sport basically, and talking on msn and on the phone.

TS – What do your friends think of you spending so much time at the gym? SM – They think I am really dedicated because I don’t have much of a social life outside of the gym. But they respect that I want to be in gymnastics.

TS- What was your most memorable moment? SM - Going to Nationals in 2003. Because I met the whole Canadian Olympic team. And I saw some really good girls (gymnasts) that I would be competing against that are probably going to be in the Olympics.

SooToday would like to give kudos to Shelby for all of her hard work and dedication. That is why you are SooToday’s Athlete of the week. Good Work Shelby!