~ Biography ~

Eddie Umphrey grew up in the shadows of his older brother, 1996 Olympian, Chainey Umphrey. He was born on June 8, 1983, by that time his older brother was already 13th, and getting ready to make a name for himself. Eddie watched as Chainey competed at the 1989 world championships at age 19, and then as he went on to compete in the 1996 Olympic Games. Four years later, Eddie began to make a name for himself. He qualifed to the USA National Championships.

In 2002 Eddie signed to be a member of the Michigan Wolverines. In his freshman season Eddie finished seventh on vault at the NCAA Championships!

Going into his sophomore season, Eddie was ready to show the gymnastics world what he was all about. He started off the season great but just when things were looking up, Eddie's career took a wrong turn. A wrist injury in the middle of a meet kept him sidelined for the rest of the year. Eddie didn't let that stop him. He stayed in the gym and continued to cheer on his team, in hopes of making a comeback his junior year.

Comeback he did, when he began to compete four events for the Michigan Wolverines. He helped them to a top six finish at the NCAA Championships that year. Eddie also started back into his elite career, after a mix up in qualifications at the 2004 Nationals Qualifer, Eddie was determined to figure out why he didn't qualify. After adding up score after score, it turned out he had qualifed. Eddie went on to compete in his first all around meet since early 2003 at the National Championships. Although a 26th place all around may sound low to some people, to Eddie it was an accomplishment above many. An even bigger accomplishment for him was placing 5th on rings.

Eddie finished the season pumped up and ready to compete some more. He has headed back into the gym and is continuing to train. His senior year was one to remember. Finally able to compete without injury Eddie helped lead the University of Michigan team to a great season, and landing himself in the NCAA Finals on floor exercise... ranked number one. Eddie was ready to go on finals day, although the judges had other plans. Eddie finished third on the floor.

In gymnastics, Eddie has now changed his focus. Instead of his NCAA team, it's now time for team USA. Eddie is continuing to train in hopes of coming back in 2006 to make the National Team and compete for his country.