The Penhold Regional Multiplex played host to two champion trampoline gymnasts recently.
Brothers Kyle and Keegan Soehn used the multiplex to train in advance of Olympic qualifying competitions held in April for a few weeks.
“We were looking for a higher place to train,” said Kyle, 23, explaining they needed higher ceilings. The Penhold facility turned out to be the most accommodating and let them bring in their equipment for about two weeks.
Kyle said in using the multiplex they realized what a great facility it was. There is a plan for them to give a demonstration at the multiplex though the date is uncertain at this time.
Kyle, 23, is a two-time world champion. Keegan, 19, is the current national champion and is heading to the London Olympics as a reserve member for Team Canada in case the man who qualified for the sole Canadian male trampoline berth is unable to compete. Kyle placed fourth in the overall Olympic qualification process. He was world champion in 2003 and 2007, an eight-time provincial champion and the 2005 national youth champion on trampoline.
Keegan recently won a competition in Airdrie that put him very close to winning the Olympic berth. In addition to being the current national champion, he's been the provincial champion since 2001, winning it 10 years in a row, and has a total of 18 national champion titles. In October 2011 he won gold at the Pan American Games in Mexico.
Both have team medal achievements with each other and others.
“We've had a lot of success,” Kyle said of their records.
The brothers started competing about 12 years ago. Their parents are trampoline and gymnastic coaches and all four are coaches at the family business of Thunder Country Trampoline in Red Deer.
“When we're not training, we're coaching,” Kyle said. The pair figured out they train on the trampoline five days a week and do general training seven days a week.
When asked why they've stuck with the sport so long, Keegan pointed out “Who doesn't like to jump on a trampoline?”
Kyle said there is a great feeling of free fall that's part of the fun.
“It's like nothing else out there,” Keegan said.
The brothers said they're competitive with each other in “everything.”
If Keegan gets the chance to compete in London, he's hoping to bounce his way to success.
“I think I'll have a good shot,” Keegan said. Keegan's hardest skill he can show off is a backward full twisting triple back flip. Kyle's is a triple front with a one and a half twist in the last somersault.
