When Justin Spring first entered a gym in 1987, he didn't know what the US National Team was, nor did he know what NCAA All American ment, and he sure as heck didn't know that he would have both of those added to his name by the time he was 18.

Justin was born on March 11th, 1984 in Houston, Texas. None of the Spring family would deny that flying was in the family. Justin's dad, Woody, was a member of the crew of the 1985 ship Atlantis flying up to space. Justin looks up to his father and one day would like to fly in space as well. His mom's name is Debbie and she teaches Physical Education at a local school. Both of Justin's parents were gymnasts and competed in college, as was his sister who competed at Ohio State University on a scholarship. Flying is sure in the family.

Justin began gymnastics in 1987. As he progressed he competed at Capital Gymnastics in Burke, Virgina under the coaching of Carlos Vazquez. At the 1999 National Championships, as a young Junior Elite gymnast, Justin qualifed to the National Team. For the next three years Justin would serve as a member of the team. In June of 2002 Justin graduated from Lake Braddock High School and headed to the University of Illinois to begin a new chapter in his gymnastics career. Little did Justin or any of his family realize the amazing accomplishments to come!

Missing the first few meets with a wrist injury, Justin was eager to compete by the time he was able to. His first meet was against Minnesota where he won both the vault and floor exercise. By the end of the season, Justin had established himself as Illinois freshman standout. In the NCAA event finals, Justin was one of few freshman to earn the All American honors when he placed 4th on floor exercise. He also placed seventh on parallel bars and eighth on high bar.

His sophmore year Justin helped lead his team to a big ten championship and went on to score big at the NCAA Championships. Justin helped his team place third and went on to place 7th on vault, 5th on parallel bars, and won the gold on the high bar. Justin continued to be a huge asset to his team as he lead them through the next two years. His NCAA career is topped of with the Nissen Emery award.

Justin continues to train in Illinois and is an assistant coach to the University of Illinois. He is training for a spot on the 2007 World Team and a spot on the 2008 Olympic team!

When Justin is not in the gym you might find him playing soccer, golfing, mountain biking, fishing, running, working on his house, playing with his dog, or collecting match books.

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