SANTA CLARITA, CA (May 26, 2016) – Since the age of six, Trinity Classical Academy eighth grade student Troy Lipis has been participating in competitive gymnastics at Waller’s GymJam in events including floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar.

After qualifying to compete in the Finals at the 2016 Men’s Junior Olympic National Championships in Battle Creek, MI, fourteen year-old Troy Lipis had his best meet ever, earning a Gold Medal in the Still Rings event and the title of Junior Olympics National Rings Champion.

“Everyone at Trinity Classical Academy is so extremely proud of Troy and his incredible accomplishment,” said Dr. Matt Dixon, Director of Athletics. “The kind of dedication, focus and fortitude Troy exhibits toward gymnastics while managing the vigorous academics of Trinity demonstrates true passion, and we as a community embrace the opportunity to support athletes at this level.”

The Still Rings event is an artistic gymnastic apparatus traditionally used only by men due to the need for tremendous upper-body strength. Two wooden rings are suspended on wire cables 5.75 m high and 50 cm apart and are adjusted in height so gymnasts have room to hang freely and swing. Routines are designed to demonstrate balance, strength, power, and dynamic motion skills.

Troy did not set out to be a gymnast; at the age of five his parents enrolled him in Xtreme Martials Arts, which is a combination of martial arts, acrobatics and gymnastics. To better learn how to flip and tumble properly, they took him to Waller’s GymJam Academy where the coach for the boys’ competition team quickly noticed Troy’s strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. Troy joined their gymnastics team and never looked back.

For the next several months, Troy will train approximately 25 hours a week in the gym working on floor, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars, and high bar, though will dedicate more time and focus on the Still Rings. Competition Season starts up again in December and he will defend his newly claimed title at the Nationals in Orlando, FL next year.