Twinsburg resident Ben Kazarinoff, 16, competed in the USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling 2008 Junior Olympic National Championships July 6 in Kansas City, Mo.

More than 1,600 gymnasts participated. Kazarinoff earned the bronze medal in the tumbling, Level 6 males, 15-and-older division.

Kazarinoff has been competing for Turle's American Gymnastics and Trampoline Academy in Twinsburg for the past three years.

"He's come a long way pretty quickly," said coach Chris Polomsky. "He made a minor mistake that may have cost him the gold, but we're looking at it as a learning experience. I'm still extremely proud of him."

Kazarinoff also competed at Nationals in the double-mini trampoline event, coming in 12th place in the Level 8 males 15-and-older division.

Also representing Turle's at Nationals were Randi Nosin, 18, and Cori Nosin, 16, of Lyndhurst. Randi placed 13th and Cori placed 15th on the double-mini trampoline in the Level 8 females 16-and-older division.

Competitive trampoline and tumbling is composed of four disciplines. In the tumbling event, athletes perform passes down an 85-foot long, 6-foot wide sprung platform. The double-mini trampoline is a small, two-level trampoline device.

Athletes run up to and jump on to it, perform one skill that lands back on it, then one skill that dismounts onto a landing pad.

Athletes competing in individual trampoline perform 10-skill routines on a large rectangular trampoline.

Finally, athletes may pair up and compete in synchronized trampoline, performing identical routines on two trampolines placed side by side.

Individual trampoline made its debut in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and is an event in this year's Olympics.

"This year is exciting because it's the first year that the U.S. has both a male and a female going for Olympic gold," Polomsky said. "This is definitely not something to miss. What you will see them do will blow your mind."

For details on Turle's recreational and competitive trampoline and tumbling programs as well as their women's gymnastics program and birthday parties, visit www.americangymnasticsacademy.com.

-- From staff reports

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