Posted on: Friday, June 11, 2004
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ATHLETES
Trampoline athlete makes national team
| • | Woman sheds more than 100 pounds with training |
| • | Elementary students shine at track meet |
| • | Sports notices |
By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer
Nani Vercruyssen secured a spot on the U.S. Junior National team for trampoline and tumbling after her performance at last weekend's U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
Vercruyssen, who recently completed the sixth grade at Hokulani Elementary School, won a silver medal in the synchronized trampoline and finished fourth in the trampoline and fifth in the double mini tramp events in Nashville, Tenn.
Trampoline and tumbling athletes earn points from competing in various competitions throughout the year. After the U.S. Championships, the top six overall point leaders and top six from individual events make the team. Vercruyssen, who began the year ranked 50th in the nation, was among one of the six overall leaders.
"That was her goal for the year," said Dr. Max Vercruyssen, her father and coach.
"We knew that if she hit, she would make it. If she had boo-boos or if nobody else had faults, it would be touch and go," her father said.
Vercruyssen made it through her events and was helped by gymnasts above her who made mistakes in their routines. After her performances on Saturday, she watched the men's and women's artistic gymnastics finals featuring Paul Hamm and Carly Patterson and later celebrated with other gymnasts.
Up next for Vercruyssen is the IndoPacific Championships in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pan American Games in Florida, both in July. She also has competitions scheduled for August in Japan, and Belarus and Russia in November.
"Now it's a matter of competing at an international level," said her father.
Reach Stanley Lee at 535-8533 or slee@honoluluadvertiser.com.
