Stonegate Student Katelyn A. in the Spotlight
Stonegate fourth grader Katelyn A. is the Maryland state champion for level 9 Trampoline 9-10 age group and the Maryland state champion for level 8 Double Mini Trampoline (DMT). Katelyn has been competing in Trampoline for 2 years. In 2005, she placed 5th in the country for 7-8 years old at level 5. She has moved from level 5 to level 9 in 2 years.
Trampoline is an Olympic sport and the #1 team in Maryland is from Fairland Gym on Old Gunpowder Road. In Maryland, children compete in trampoline from level 5 through level 10 and if they are very skilled, after they turn 12, they are allowed to compete at the Junior Olympic level. The competition consists of a compulsory routine (everyone does the same routine) of 10 skills for each level. The lower levels do easier skills and the higher levels do more complex skills. At level 9 and above the child also competes an optional routine. To qualify to go to the National Championship a child must get a minimum score at either the State or Regional meet. Skills for a level 9 routine include back flip with a full twist, front flip full twist, front flip with a ½ twist, and back flip to belly. Athletes are judged on height, execution, and body position.
Double Mini Trampoline is a smaller trampoline that the athlete runs toward, similar to a vault in gymnastics, does a skill such as a front flip onto it, and does a dismount skill, such as a front flip with a full twist and must land on both feet. On this apparatus the athlete does two different passes and the scores are added together.
In both Trampoline and DMT athletes compete by age group and level. Katelyn competes with other 9-10 year old girls at level 9.
