Trampoline & Tumbling Bounds Into Tampa for J.O. Nationals

The top junior trampoline and tumbling gymnasts are en route to Tampa, Fla. this week to compete in the “Fun in the Sun” Junior Olympic National Championships, July 13-19 at the Tampa Convention Center.

July 14, 2004

TAMPA – The top junior trampoline and tumbling gymnasts are en route to Tampa, Fla. this week to compete in the “Fun in the Sun” Junior Olympic National Championships, July 13-19 at the Tampa Convention Center.

More than 1,600 gymnasts from 189 clubs will be competing on the trampoline, tumbling and double-mini trampoline disciplines. The athletes, ranging in age from 6 & Under to 17 & Over, will compete in Levels 5 through 10, featuring synchronized trampoline at Level 10.

“The J.O. National Championships marks the first big national competition for a lot of these athletes,” said Ann Sims, USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling Senior Director. “This is a great opportunity to see spectacular gymnastics from some of the up-and-coming stars of the sport.”

Trampoline became an official Olympic sport in 2000, with national team member Jennifer Parilla becoming the first American to compete in the Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Parilla finished the competition in ninth place. Parilla will make a second attempt at medaling this August in Athens, as she recently won the 2004 Olympic Trials in San Jose, Calif.