The Icon Trampoline Club of Auckland brought Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Dylan Schmidt.
He gave three show-stopping performances during which he had the audience gasping and in awe of his ability as he narrowly missed touching the roof of the clubrooms.
All of his routines displayed the form and skill level expected of someone who earned recognition as the third best in the world.
Gisborne Trampoline Club’s medal haul was outstanding, and possibly represented the club’s best performance at this event.
Club coach Doug Callahan said all of the team performed well but some stamped their mark on proceedings.
Six-year-old Alfie Connon, competing in the eight-and-under division, won three gold medals.
Porsha Warren-Hillman, 9, was setting scores well above her age level. She caught the eye of the judges and other coaches. She had qualified to compete at July’s nationals in Invercargill in tumbling, trampoline and double mini trampoline, and won three gold medals at this comp.
James van Aswegen showed how form was needed to win medals, Callahan said.
His form was outstanding and earned him gold medals in trampoline, double mini tramp and, with Isileli Kamoto, synchronised trampoline.
Van Aswegen had qualified for the nationals in trampoline and double mini tramp, and would be increasing his skill level to meet the demands of top competition.
Lily Arnold, competing in the junior international class, excelled in trampoline and in tumbling, taking gold in both. In double mini tramp she won silver. She and Hayley Rolls put on another great display to win the junior international synchro.
“Lily shows how hard work pays off in competition and she will be showing her strengths at the nationals in all disciplines,” Callahan said.
Hayley Rolls competed in youth international classes this year and was awarded the gold for her “amazing tumbling routines”, Callahan said.
She added gold in double mini tramp, silver in trampoline and gold in synchro.
“She has gone from strength to strength with her strong work ethic, and is another showing how determination and discipline earn results,” Callahan said.
Fourteen trampolinists and tumblers had already qualified for the nationals.
“There are too many others to name but the team made me very proud watching so many of the team taking the dais,” Callahan said.
“Up-and-coming coaches James van Aswegen, Lily Arnold and Tegan Hayward were great in assisting me throughout the comp and all thanks go to them.
“One to watch in the future is Daphne Morris who, at seven years of age is already showing remarkable potential.”
Tomorrow the tumbling team would be competing again, at the North Island Tumble Championships at Mid-Island Gym Sports in Rotorua.
