The trampoline event ended up much like expected, with a few missteps from top contenders. But, that’s sport.  What surprised me was the results of the Men’s Platform Diving event.  The winner, Mathew Mitcham, who was not Chinese, but Australian … and he was a World Double Mini-tramp Champion (2001 Junior World Champ).  

This is significant in several ways. (more…)

The local newspaper in my home town, The Advertiser, published a couple of wonderful articles about local connection to Olympics in China.  When you get a chance, check them out: Blanchard Relishes Olympics Spotlight and The Godfather of Trampoline in the US.   (more…)

Two Louisiana athletes, Erin Blanchard and Chris Estrada, made the USA’s 2008 Olympic Trampoline Team this week. Considering that only 12 countries qualify to participate in this event, and only one male and one female per qualifying country can earn a spot to compete, this is a huge accomplishment for Lafayette’s shining stars. (more…)