Lexington, KY – In preparation for the 2006 World Equestrian Games, 14 of the United States’ best vaulters have been invited to take part in a USEF training session at the Riekes Center for Human Enhancement in Menlo Park, CA, and at Sydney Frankel’s farm in Woodside, CA, in October.

The 14 athletes who have been invited are: Megan Benjamin, Blake Dahlgren, Ali Divita, Kenny Geisler, Todd Griffiths, Mari Inouye, Julie Keville, Chris Littmann, Devon Maitozo, Mary McCormick, Elizabeth Osborn, Florence Rubinger, Samantha Smith and Annalise Vanvranken.

World-renowned German vaulter Tanja Benedetto will be the featured clinician. Tanja was the Women’s World Champion in 1994 and 1996 and the Women’s European Champion in 1995 and 1997. Since retiring from vaulting, Tanja has served as a physiotherapist for the German National Team.

Alixa Sutton, a contortionist from the San Francisco Circus Center will be returning to teach flexibility. Carlo Gentile from Fool Time Circus will conduct workshops on Partner Acrobatics, Chinese acrobatics and individual balance. Dr. Lawrence Calderon will be administering fitness exams. David Seiler will be teaching mounts, dismounts, and gymnastics, and FEI “O” judge Adrienne Stang will be working with vaulters on the technical test and freestyle design.

For directions or for information on auditing this training session, contact Sara Ike, Director of High Performance Vaulting, by phone at (908) 234-0848, or via e-mail at [email protected]
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