Sun Shines In Cardiff
Due to the Olympics being held this year and many other FIG qualifying events needed to be completed before the summer and a change in the rules to the Trampoline League regarding who can jump in which league created a logistical headache.
League round 1 this year for much of our squad was held on the same Sunday as the Inter-Regional Finals for which many had qualified for a place to represent London later in July. With Twizzlers also entering the English Qualifier in Telford the following week, half term and several of our squad going through G.C.S.E’s & A-Levels we originally decided not to take part this year
However, there were enough people asking about competing we decided that we would enter a small number and with Tom & Alex competing in the English Qualifier the following weekend providing a chance to dust off any cobwebs especially with both introducing a new routine to increase the difficulty in their voluntary set.
Round 2 for this event was held again at the National Indoor Athletic Centre at the Metropolitan University in Cardiff which is a fantastic facility providing a great environment for competing. It feels more like a National Finals stage without the pressure for some of being at a final, giving a great experience for those that have never had the opportunity to enjoy.
Aaliyah, Alex, Jared, Kairah, Sophia & Tom all made the trip across to Cardiff competing in the following events with only Alex & Jared this time competing across 2 disciplines and Kairah jumping for the first time at the National League. The league is set up into 4 different leagues with League 3 the lowest level all the way through to Super-League. We are lucky enough to now have several of our squads able to compete in League 2. Although not competing this weekend we are looking at some of our Aspire & Level 1 to be competing at League 3 next year if they wish too take part.
League 3
Trampoline Aaliyah 12+
Trampoline Kairah 15+
Trampoline Sophia 15+
DMT Alex 13-14
DMT Jared 17+
League 2
Trampoline Alex 13-14
Trampoline Jared 17-18
DMT Tom 17+
The league is set up into 4 different leagues with League 3 the lowest level all the way through to Super-League. We are lucky enough to now have several of our squads able to compete in League 2. Although not competing this weekend we are looking at some of our Aspire & Level 1 to be competing at League 3 next year if they wish too take part.
The Trampoline League see trampolinists from all over the country and you often see some of the bigger name clubs competing that don’t normally enter the inter-regional and the standard on show is often much higher especially the League 1 & Super League in both DMT & Trampoline.
The way the League works is that the first 2 jumps in both Trampoline & DMT are for points towards competing at the finals which are being held later this year in Derby. After points are decided, In trampoline the top 8 then compete in a final round for a medal placing with the top 3 being awarded medals and in DMT the top 8 do a 3rd pass creating a top 4 then those a 4th pass to be awarded a medal for the day.
League 3 Results:-
Aaliyah finished 15th out of a group of 37 with like all things in this sport the smallest of margins away from a top 8 spot but was a fantastic result overall making significant improvements over previous results
Sophia & Kairah were competing against each other on the trampoline in a group of 50 with Kairah competing for the first time at a competition of this level finishing in the top half but gaining valuable experience. Sophia managed to qualify in the top 8 for points and had a great final jump finishing 2nd for a Silver Medal
On the DMT Alex made significant improvements since last year’s competition finishing 2nd place for points after his first 2 rounds and making it through to the final round narrowly missing out on a medal by yet again the closest of margins
Jared also on the DMT finished 1st for points and a silver medal overall which was another fantastic result
League 2 Results:-
Alex using this weekend to introduce a new routine and higher difficulty tariff finished 3rd for points after his first 2 rounds on the trampoline before narrowly missing out on a medal in the final round.
Jared ended 2nd for points after his first 2 rounds also on the trampoline before gaining his second silver medal of the weekend in the finals
Tom on the DMT ended his first 2 jumps in 2nd place for points before then going on to pick a silver up in this final round
Overall Twizzlers had a great day and walk away with 4 silver medals with everyone making significant improvements on their own routines.
We are really looking forward to planning early for next season and seeing a lot more of our younger squad members hopefully taking part. Cardiff is loved by everyone that attends and is a great venue to gain valuable competition experience against gymnasts from all over the country all whilst making new friends. Look out for the dates if you are interested in the calendar