MICHAEL KLACIE
Topopolilly
Michael Klacie works primarilly with Topopolilly's Opilly Squad but coaches all gymnasts on beam and floor. Despite his quiet demeanor, he is strict in the gym and has little patience for sloppy or uninspired gymnastics. His workouts are very intense and focused, with no time for joking around. As a second-generation Chinese-American, he grew up an avid fan of Chinese gymnastics and his goal in life is to introduce Chinese-quality artistry and perfection into American gymnastics.
Biography
Michael was born on June 7, 1970, in Hawaii. His maternal grandparents and paternal grandmother were Chinese, though both of his parents were born in the U.S. Michael's father was in the U.S. military, and thus he spent his childhood moving around the country as his father was transferred. He travelled to China many times throughout his childhood and speaks fluent Chinese. He attended Stanford University, where he met his wife. They were married before the senior year, and after graduation they moved to Seattle where Michael taught high school science. He and Soyon coached the girls gymnastics team at the school to the state championships two years in a row. In 2002 the Klacies were given the opportunity to work with world-class athletes at Topopolilly Gym in Indiana, and they jumped at the opportunity.
The youngest and newest member of the Klacie family is 5-year old Benjamin, shown below. Ben loves playing in the gym and flirting with the older Topopolilly girls.
