Lafayette Trampoline Stars Aim for 2028 Olympics

Local Prodigies Shine at National Championships

Lafayette’s reputation as a breeding ground for trampoline talent stretches back well before the sport debuted at the Olympics in 2000. At the recent USA Gymnastics National Championships in Tulsa, two‑time Olympian Alexi Shostak captured his second Senior Men’s Trampoline title, while Sarah Webster secured a bronze on the women’s side. Both athletes praised the competitive atmosphere, noting that the event served as the final domestic showdown of the season. Their victories underline a long‑standing pipeline that has turned the city into a hub for elite gymnasts.

Shostak admitted he was surprised by his win after a rough training week, joking about buying a house in Tulsa. Webster described the competition as fun, emphasizing her desire to complete a routine she could be proud of. Both athletes now set their sights on the upcoming Olympic cycle, aiming to keep the Lafayette flag flying at the Los Angeles Games.

Road to Los Angeles 2028

Training under world‑renowned coach Dmitri Poliaroush at Trampoline and Tumbling Express has been the cornerstone of their progress. Since opening its doors in 1993, the club has cultivated 14 World champions and six Olympians, creating a vibrant legacy for the city. Shostak and Webster credit Poliaroush’s consistent guidance for their development, noting his ability to push them just enough to reach their goals. The club’s success extends beyond these two, with Nicole Ahsinger joining the U.S. National Team and Graham Foreman securing a spot on the Junior National Team.

The duo’s next milestones include qualifying for the 2028 Olympics, a goal Webster keeps front‑and‑center in her training regimen. She also highlights the importance of World Championships and World Cups as stepping stones toward that ultimate target. As the countdown to LA28 begins, the community looks to these athletes to continue the city’s unbroken streak of Olympic representation that started in 2000.

Impact of a Long‑Running Program

Poliaroush’s coaching philosophy has produced consistent results, keeping Lafayette on the international trampoline map for decades. The club’s emphasis on both individual skill and team support has created a reliable pipeline for athletes seeking to compete on the world stage. With each new generation, the program reinforces its commitment to excellence, ensuring that future gymnasts have the resources they need to pursue Olympic dreams. The ongoing success of Shostak, Webster, Ahsinger, and Foreman demonstrates how a dedicated coaching foundation can elevate an entire city’s athletic profile.

Shannon Belt reports on high school sports, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, and LSU men’s basketball for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Readers can send questions about high school or UL athletics to [email protected].