Two Winnipeg teens have teamed up to become Manitoba’s first duo to compete in synchronized trampoline at a national level.
Pierce Barlow, 17, and Isaiah Klassen, 16, traveled to Lethbridge, AB in early July to compete at the 2018 Canadian Championships in Trampoline Gymnastics.
Both teens started their competitive careers in artistic gymnastics, training at Flippers Gymnastics, and later switched to trampoline and tumbling.
While having an artistic gymnastics background certainly helps in trampolining, Barlow said it’s not absolutely necessary.
In addition to the synchronized trampoline event, Barlow and Klassen each competed in the individual double mini trampoline events in their respective age categories. Both teens dominated the podium – each taking home gold – a testament to their many hours of training.
“We train 16 hours a week,” said Klassen.
The pair were also part of a four-person team in the double mini team finals, finishing in third place.
With nationals under their belt, the two gymnasts are now training for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta. After that, the two look forward to their very first international competition in Portugal.