Five return with 10 trampolining medals

MEDAL WINNERS: Gisborne Trampoline Club members (from left) Seth Williams, Hannah O’Connor, Riker Rolls, Mia Blot-Mouterde and Seth Miller came back from the Auckland championships with 10 medals — seven gold and three silver. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

EASTLAND Port Gisborne Trampoline Club competitors were in medal-winning form at the Auckland champs.

The five trampolinists returned with 10 medals — seven gold and three silver.

“I was rapt, especially with the performances of the younger age group,” coach Doug Callahan said.

“Mia Blot-Mouterde, in her first Auckland champs, won gold on tramp and double mini in the eight-years-and-under division.

“Mia then stepped up to the 10-years-and-under synchronished with Hannah O’Connor to take silver. I know she’s young but Mia really is one to watch.

“If she continues this type of form she’ll easily qualify for the national champs next year. Hannah just missed out on a another medal when she came fourth in the double mini.

“Riker Rolls, another eight-year-old, gets better every time he competes. He won gold on tramp and double mini.

“He just can’t get enough of the training. I have to make sure he doesn’t overdo it, he is so keen.”

Recovered from injuryCallahan said Seth Williams showed he was fully recovered from a broken arm which restricted his training and competition.

“Seth competed in the 11-to-12-years class with all the confidence he had before the injury and won two gold medals — on tramp and double mini — and a silver with Seth Miller on synchro.

“Seth (Williams) was so confident, and his form was good enough for me to promote him to sub junior international level (11-14yrs) next year.

Callahan said he was taking a team of 15 to Invercargill for the national champs at the end of September.

“We’ve also got four — Brea Low, Finn Vette, Kaiya Huta and Leah Scholefield — who have qualified for the Indo Pacifics at Napier two weeks after the national champs.”

While in Auckland, Callahan, Hannah O’Connor and her mother Amy attended a private party to farewell Dylan Schmidt, New Zealand’s first trampolinist to compete at an Olympic Games.

“It was a fantastic night, a lot of people attended and it was quite emotional,” Callahan said.

“I’m confident Dylan will do well in Rio. He’s very focused and dedicated.”