FROM JIM COLE: ANOTHER " CIRCUS KID" EXCELLING IN ANOTHER FIELD

I received this email from Jim Cole this evening,(01/27/08)

I just got a phone call from Tino Cristiani telling me that his 18 year old son Calen did extremely well at a speed skating competition in Cleveland, OH this past weekend. Calen works in the Cristiani Bros. trampoline act along with his brother Mateo and his dad. They had just done the Saginaw, MI date, and stopped in Cleveland on the way back to FL.

Calen took a sudden interest in speed skating 2 years ago, and has been training at an ice rink in Kissimmee, FL. He previously had very little experience on the ice, however his circus / gymnastics background gave him the balance and leg strength to go into this difficult sport. There is an article about him in www.Circus4Youth.org Look in FEATURES.

Calen placed first in the 1000 meter race, and was well on his way to winning additional events. However a very rough ice surface caused he and many other skaters to fall. He non the less logged some very impressive speed times in his first ever competitive event.

Calen Cristiani entered the race virtually unknown by his co-racers and event organizers. They sure know who that "Circus Acrobat Guy" is now!

The 2010 Winter Olympics is his ultimate goal. His father is hoping to attract a sponsor for Calen, perhaps within the circus community.

CALEN CRISTIANI