Gisbornes Doug Callahan started coaching trampoline in 1972.
Gisborne Trampoline Club’s head coach Doug Callahan was inspired to become a trampolinist when Gisborne Boys High School P.E teacher John McFarlane built a trampoline out of steel pipe, canvas matting, and truck-tyre tubes. That was over 60 years ago.
The walls of the club are decorated with a photoof McFarlane and pictures of the students Callahan has coached throughout the years, listed with their many achievements.
“Coaching children is a passion of mine. I like to see their faces when they stand on the dias and smile,” he said.
Like the walls, Callahan is a very decorated coach, with more than 50 years of experience.
He’s a senior Gymnastics New Zealand coach and a long-serving judge at a national level. Callahan was awarded the Queens Service Medal in 2016 for his services to the sport.
