Questions and Answers

In competition, the scoring is calculated over two rounds. The first is a set sequence for all competitors, and the second one is a voluntary routine. Marking for the voluntary routine includes a tariff, which is a score based upon how difficult the moves are execute. The other part of the score is dependent on how well you carried out the moves.

I get involved in various competitions each year. In 2009 these have included a number of galas and both regional and national championships.  My coaches are Martin and Liz Laws, Tamzin Reid and Mark Baker.

I first competed in synchro when I was aged nine. My partner was Rebecca Hudson, who is still a good friend. We managed to come second in the competition even though we were up against much older people.

Synchro is all about timing - you have to get right otherwise it looks untidy. Ideally you need to be of a similar build and height as your partner. There is a lot of concentration involved because as well as making sure you are in time with your partner, you have to carry out your routine properly too.

Double Mini Trampolining - known as DMT for short - involves a smaller version of a trampoline. We take a long run-up and then there are two different jumps we can make. One is called a mount, and this is where we use the DMT as a springboard, perform an ariel routine involving twists and somersaults, and land on a mat at the other side.  The other routine is called a spotter and this involves an extra jump on the DMT before we carry out our moves and dismount. 

Scoring is decided according to how well you carry out the move, what the tariff is. There are  strict rules on which part of the mat you land on. You are also marked down if you need extra steps to get your balance.

I train for six days a week and each day if different. Usually I am on the trampoline from 7pm until 8:30pm on four evenings.

On Tuesdays Nick Earle, my DMT coach, comes to the club and I train for three hours, starting at 6pm. Saturdays are also given over to DMT and I train from 10am to 3pm.  Sundays are days off, though that tends to be when competitions are held.

We each train on our own disciplines, and this includes general conditioning and circuit training. My work involves press-ups, sit-ups, rope climbing and running. Usually this is done for 15-20 minutes at the end of each training session.

I really enjoy the buzz that you get after a good training session, and during competitions.

Ever since I can remember, I have been involved with this sport and it has become a way of life and everything else I do revolves around it. I have made most of my friends though meeting people at my club or during competitions in the UK or abroad.

I get great encouragement from my mum and dad, and also from my coaches. My coaches Liz and Martin Laws, and Nick Earle, have been with me since I was nine. Having all these people around me an supporting me has meant I can concentrate on improving my skills and trying to excel in what I do. 

I have already achieved my first major ambition, which was to be selected to represent Great Britain at the World Age Group Championships in St Petersburg, Russia. In terms of prestige, these are second only to the Olympic Games themselves. I narrowly missed out in 2008 and that was really disappointing, so it is very satisfying to make the team in 2009.

Of course, my main ambition has to be selection for the London Olympics in 2012, both in DMT and trampoline. As well as London, I will still be young enough to compete in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro.

Shorter term my aim is to be on the GB senior team for DMT in 2010 for both the European and World Championships. In 2011, I hope to break through into the senior trampoline team. If I can finish in the top three at the 2010 National Championships in both disciplines I will be happy with my progress.

When my sporting career has finished, I would like to join Cirque du Soleil and go on tour. I have already had one audition with Cirque but obviously it isn’t possible to get more involved all the time I am competing.

I like to get to know different cultures and people from other parts of the world. A longer term dream of mine is to move abroad because I believe there are countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia where sporting opportunities for young people are as good if not better than they are in the UK.  When I settle down and have children of my own, I’d want them to have all the best facilities nearby.

I would really like to encourage people of all ages to become involved in the sport. For children it is a good way of staying fit and healthy, and is also great fun!  You can never be to young for trampolining and usually everyone is very friendly and you can make good friends. For adults, it is also a place to meet people and keep fit, and even gentle exercise will do a lot of good.