Somersaulting to Success: Tono Vowell
Tono Vowell, an upcoming 8th grade student, celebrated trampoline and tumbling success this summer at the 2018 USA Gymnastics Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina. When I saw the video of his performances, I was awed by his technical skills and focus under pressure. In this student spotlight, Tono graciously answered questions to share about a sport he loves with the Episcopal School of Knoxville community.
Ms. Sharpe: How long have you been tumbling?
Tono: I just finished my second season of tumbling and trampoline, so about 2 years.
Ms. Sharpe: You’ve made great strides in the sport to place nationally after only 2 years. That’s impressive! How did you get started in the sport?
Tono: We got our first trampoline when our neighbors’ kids went to college. Then we got a new one. After that they both broke, and we got one that was in the ground. I would spend endless hours on it, so my dad thought it would be fun to do a trampoline class. My trampoline teacher was also one of the coaches of the team. She saw potential and invited me to join the team.
Ms. Sharpe: What does training involve, and how often do you train?
Tono: I have practice now 4 times a week. During practice we start by warming up for 30-45 minutes. Then we either stay on the floor or put our socks on and get on the trampoline. During the competition season we practice our routine on both trampoline and floor. I was a level eight on both events. If you are a higher level, then you are required to do more difficult skills.
Ms. Sharpe: I was entranced watching how many times you jumped on the trampoline before you started flipping. I would be exhausted before it was even time to begin the routine! When you are on the trampoline, how do you know how many times to jump before you start flipping?
Tono: I jump until I get my height and position.
Ms. Sharpe: Do you ever get dizzy? How do you deal with it to finish a solid routine if you do?
Tono: Now that I am at a level that requires doubles (two flips at once), I do get dizzy. When I do a solid routine I feel great and I try to do it again.
Ms. Sharpe: Spinning and somersaulting in the air requires courage, too. What is the most challenging part about the sport?
Tono: This sport requires a lot of commitment from me and my family. My mom usually drives me to practice and she takes time off work to come with me to my competitions. I also miss out on some social events with my friends for this, but I really understand that it is worth it because I love this sport very much.
Ms. Sharpe: You’re learning that dedication to excellence requires sacrifice, which is an important lesson. We’re proud of you for realizing family support is critical, too. Which event do you like better: trampoline or tumbling?
Tono: I like them both very much. Having said this, I do love flipping in the air and being way up high.
Ms. Sharpe: You have a unique vantage point from way up there! Which skill do you want to learn next?
Tono: On trampoline I have learned my 4 basic doubles and I want to have the rest of them. I am already learning some of these other doubles, such as a rudy out. On the floor I want to learn to do doubles, too.
Ms. Sharpe: I looked up rudy out videos on youtube. It’s mind-bending to think you can flip and roll that many times in the air. What have you learned at ESK that has helped you to be successful at your sport?
Tono: ESK is very supportive, and it helps me. You guys help me by being happy that I did well in every competition. I want to thank everyone for supporting me.
Ms. Sharpe: What is your ultimate goal for this sport? A certain level? Olympics? Having Fun? Something else?
Tono: I don’t really know what my ultimate goal is. I know that I am having a lot of fun. I think that I might want to go to the Olympics sometime. But for right now I am having so much fun and I feel so fortunate that I have found something I love.
Ms. Sharpe: You placed second in trampoline and first in tumbling, correct?
Tono: Yes. This was my first nationals and I was so excited to go and have success.
Tono, thank you for answering these questions thoughtfully. At ESK we’re proud of your commitment to tumbling and trampoline. You’re perspective reminds us
to be grateful for a supportive family, an encouraging community, and the opportunity to pursue something you love. Your accomplishment and humble attitude towards the sport represent our school community well and embody the values of our athletic program, which encourages dedication and physical activity as a way of life. Congratulations on your accomplishment! We can’t wait to hear about more of your successes!
ESK is a private school in Knoxville, TN for students ages 3 years-old through 8th grade. We celebrate student successes in the classroom, on the court, and in the performing arts. Our athletic program emphasizes commitment and teamwork, while instilling the value of physical activity as a lifelong endeavor.