Gino Colella Gino Colella, a seventh-grader from St. Jude the Apostle School in Westlake, won a Southern California Junior Olympics title in the pole vault.

Competing against kids one year older, Gino vaulted 9.2 feet to secure the win.

"Gino vaulted his new personal record," said his father and coach, Antonio Colella, from Westlake Track Club.

"This height is the best national height for his category, and it is comparable to a good height (for) a sophomore in high school."

In addition to pole vaulting, Gino enjoys skateboarding and gymnastics. He also speaks fluent Italian.

Gino's father is an Italian national champion in the pole vault.

Other top performances were turned in by long-jumper Myles Lazarou and Zack Borneistin, a multiple-event competitor.