A BRIDGWATER trampolinist is jumping for joy after being selected for the Great Britain Trampoline Team to compete at the 23rd World Age Group Championships 2014 at Daytona Beach, Florida, next month.
Corey Walkes, 13, who trains at Quayside Trampoline and Gymnastics Club in Bridgwater, is one of only four boys to be selected nationally across the country in his age group and will travel to America as part of the 13/14 Boys team alongside the GBR Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT squads.
The WAGC showcases the best athletes in the world and is the pinnacle of the junior international calendar with 407 trampoline gymnasts competing from across 40 countries.
The trampolines can propel athletes up to 30 feet in the air, during which they perform double and triple twisting somersaults.
Corey said: “I’m proud to have been selected to compete at my second World Age Group Championships.
“Sue Bramble, my personal and head coach at Quayside, will continue to train me to make sure I can compete to the best of my ability next month.
“It’s going to be a busy few weeks, but I can’t wait to fly out and compete for my country again – it’s such an honour.”
Corey, who started competing for GB a year ago at his first major international competition at the World Age Group Championships 2013 in Bulgaria, recently won the individual and team gold medals at the Loule Cup in Portugal, and became British champion after winning his third gold in as many weeks in the Elite Under 15 Men’s age group at the British Trampoline & Tumbling Championships 2014 in Liverpool last month.
Corey’s mum, who travels 70 miles up to five times a week from their home near Bath to take her son to training, said: “Everyone at Quayside is so supportive and proud of Corey. We’re so grateful to Sue, his personal coach.
“To have such amazing training facilities in Bridgwater and such brilliant coaches to bring out the best in all the gymnasts is a real asset to the area.”
Competing for Great Britain as a Junior Trampoline Gymnast is, however, completely self-funded, and Corey and his family have to raise £2,500 for him to compete in Florida.
To support or sponsor Corey, go to virginmoneygiving.com/coreywalkes2014
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