Level 10 Synchro Champions
© Champion Images

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., June 29, 2010 – The champions for Levels 8-10 have already been crowned at the 2010 Trampoline and Tumbling Junior Olympic National Championships, June 27-July 2, at the Virginia Beach (Va.) Convention Center. Competition continues for Levels 5-7 in trampoline, double mini-trampoline, synchronized trampoline and tumbling for both men and women.

The remaining competition schedule is: June 30 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline at 2:15 p.m., and Regional All-stars Competition at 6 p.m.; July 1 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and July 2 – Levels 5-7 trampoline, tumbling and double mini-trampoline, 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. For the complete schedule, click here.

The Regional All-Stars Competition features the Level 10 regional champions vying for the title of Grand Champion as the best overall Regional All-Star Team. The region accumulating the highest combined score is named the Grand Champion Team.

To qualify for the Junior Olympic National Championships, athletes must meet the qualifying criteria and score requirements which vary by category and event. Gymnasts in Levels 5-10 are ranked by their level of expertise, with 10 being the highest and just below elite.

Trampoline events involve athletes using trampolines that can propel them up to 30 feet in the air, during which they can perform single, double and twisted somersaults. Tumbling utilizes elevated spring runways that enable athletes to jump at heights over 10 feet and execute a variety of acrobatic maneuvers. Double-mini competition involves the athlete making a short run and leaping onto a small two-level trampoline. The athlete will then perform an aerial maneuver and dismount onto a landing mat.