Coventry based trampoline gymnast, Jemma Macdonald, has been named Trampoline British Champion for 9-10 year old women. She competed over the weekend at Arena Birmingham, completing three routines and winning in every round, in order to be awarded the title of British Champion for her age group.
Jemma was also awarded the Paul Luxon Memorial Trophy for achieving the highest execution (neatness) scores across all the under 15 age groups for both boys and girls. This is a very impressive achievement, considering that Jemma is only 10 years old!
Jemma said, “The weekend was nerve wracking as it was the biggest arena I have ever competed in. After my final routine, I didn’t have to wait long to find out the results. When they announced that I had won, I was totally speechless. I cried, I was so happy! It was such an amazing experience – like being in a dream! It is such an immense feeling to be a National Champion – although I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. I was very excited to collect my gold medal and even more so when my idol, Olympic silver medalist Bryony Page, gave me a hug! She then went on to win too, so now we both have the same medal! I feel much more confident now and I am looking forward to my next competition!”
Jemma is already back training hard for the English Championships next month. She now hopes to be re-selected for a Great Britain development pathway squad next year, with future dreams of competing at the World Ages games and then the Olympics.
Jemma has been trampolining with Central Galaxy Coventry Trampoline Club for 3 years. Her coach, Stacey Christopherson, said, “Jemma has worked thoroughly hard in the build up to the British Championships at the weekend. Her routines were flawless and she deserved to be crowned British Champion. As her coaches, we are extremely proud of her and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and the club.”
Jemma added, “Trampoline has changed my life. It is a really fun sport. You can do it for fun or, if you want to do competitions, you have to have determination and you have to work hard. I would recommend it to everyone!”