Gael Briane Mackie is just another 16-year-old teenage girl. She goes to school everyday and likes to spend time with her friends. She also likes to go practice at Omega Gymnastics in Vancouver, BC. Gael started gymnastics at age 3, at it's been a part of her life ever since. She was born on December 16th, 1988 to Susan and Bill Mackie, both of whom had been involved in gymnastics before. Bill made both the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Teams but injuries forced him to withdraw from both competitions. Susan was a national gymnast and competed at Westerns and Nationals a few times. 

They both wanted their children to do sports and when Gael first tried gymnastics, she was hooked. Gael is now Canada's best gymnast and fans have to agree when we say that, she's truly exceptional.

After her great performance in Texas, people started seeing Gael as one of the top contenders for a spot on the 2002 Pacific Alliance team and as one of the front runners for the Canadian national championship all around title. Were they ever right. Gael did not only win a berth to the PACs, but she impressed everyone by becoming the highest placing Canadian woman (7th all around) and winning the silver medal on beam! This result was another great achievement to add on to Gael's growing international resume. 

Meet after meet she proved that she was ready to compete among the best gymnasts in the world. She then returned home and began preparing for the national championships. At Nationals, Gael continued her amazing winning streak. She became the 2002 Canadian Junior National Champion over Ontario's Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs and Saskatchewan's Lisa Pattison! Then, on day 2 of the competition, Gael won the gold on both vault and floor and was the silver medallist on bars. She tied for 4th on her best event, the balance beam, which her friend and teammate Laura-Ann Chong won.

After Nationals, Gymnastique Canada Gymnastics even considered naming Gael to the Commonwealth Games team but decided to let her stay home and train instead, to rest after a long season. She competed at Elite Canada later on that year and did very well by placing second all around to Ontario's Heather Purnell. Overall, the 2002 meet season was a great breakthrough year for Gael and made her excited for the competitions to come in 2003.

In early 2003, Gael was invited to compete in one of the most prestigious meets in the world - the American Cup. With $10,000 going to the winner and two hours of live television coverage, this competition is for the best of the best, with only eight female competitors invited from around the world. Unfortunately, Gael had to withdraw because of a foot injury. She watched as teammate, Heather Purnell traveled to Richmond, Virginia instead. 

However, this disappointment only gave Gael more motivation to work harder than ever and prove that she was the best gymnast in Canada yet again. And she did just that. Gael won the 2003 Canadian National Championships for the second time in a row, this time in the senior division. This victory showed everyone that Gael was back and ready to compete - and win - against the best. In the event finals, Gael won the bronze medal on beam, still proving to be her specialty event, and placed fifth on floor and sixth on bars.

This summer was one Gael had been dreaming of for her whole gymnastics career. The 2003 World Championships would be held in August and it was her goal to be a part of that team. At the Pan Am Games/World Championships trials, Gael easily made both teams and began to prepare for them. 

However, shortly after arriving in Santo Domingo for the Pan Am Games, the entire Canadian team became ill. Gael trained for a few days, but was too sick to compete. She was disappointed, but still had the World Championships coming up that she needed to focus on. Upon arriving in Anaheim, California for Worlds, Gael was still feeling under the weather. She again trained for a few days, but in the end, was named to the alternate position. She did not get the chance to compete, but still had a fun time. She carried the Canadian flag in the Opening Ceremonies and got much needed downtime on the beach.

In November 2004, Gael competed in Belgium and France at the World Cup and Massilia Cup. Both events were great experience for Gael. Now, looking towards the 2005 season, which includes the national championships and ultimately the World Championships, Gael is training hard and still going strong. With her talent and determination, Gael Mackie is surely on her way to realizing all her dreams.