Rancho Santa Fe resident selected to appear on Disney XD’s ‘Disney TRYathlon’
By Karen Billing
Rancho Santa Fe resident and Canyon Crest Academy sophomore Julia Domann will get the chance to show off her athletic skills to a nationwide audience as she will appear on Disney XD’s “Disney TRYathlon,” premiering Monday, Aug. 12, at 9 p.m.
Julia was one of three “kid viewers” tapped to compete on teams with young Disney stars. Her video application was one of three selected out of over 500 entries.
Julia was paired with Jake Short, who plays Fletcher on the Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm” and Leo Howard, who plays Jack on Disney XD’s “Kickin’ It.”
The show will air over two parts on Aug. 12 at 9 p.m. and Aug. 19, again at 9 p.m. on Disney XD.
Julia, 15, was on the varsity track and field team as a freshman along with her identical twin sister Ava. Julia specializes in sprint events and broke the school record in long jump. She also stays highly active by surfing, skiing, riding horses, playing soccer, basketball and tennis.
For three days of filming and competing, Julia traveled to Cali Camp in Topanga, Calif.
The Disney TRYathon teams were named for the strengths of the “kid viewer” on the team, so naturally Julia’s team was named Team Sprint.
Team Sprint competed against Team Bullseye and Team Knockout. Team Bullseye was composed of Bradley Steven Perry from “Good Luck Charlie,” Calum Worthy from “Austin & Ally” and “kid viewer” Javon, a 14-year-old football player and wrestler. Team Knockout included Spencer Boldman from “Lab Rats,” Olivia Holt from “Kickin’ It,” and 16-year-old boxer and break-dancer Stephen.
The teams received additional help from guests such as “Lab Rats” star Billy Unger, NBA’s Dwight Howard, former NFL player Shawne Merriman and the White House Chef Sam Kass.
Both Howard and Kass appear on a series of “TRYit” interstitials that air on Disney Channel and Disney HD, teaching kids exercises they can do to stay in shape and tips on healthy eating.
The “TRYathlon” was hosted by Tyrel Jackson Williams and Hal Sparks from “Lab Rats.”
“The most fun thing was meeting all the actors,” Julia said. “Everyone was really nice.”
While Julia’s goals include breaking the rest of CCA’s track and field records, the experience of filming reaffirmed her desire to act. She loves to act, sing and dance.
“I love being on camera,” said Julia. “After those three days on set, I just kind of know that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It was really enjoyable.”
Interested viewers will have to watch to see how Julia and her teammates do, competing in three events that involve a variety of athletic abilities from strength, agility, speed and balance as well as tactical gameplaying.
For more information, visit www.disneyxd.disney.com/tryathlon