Dragonflyers jump for joy over national-level success

They were bidding for a chance to compete at the 2012 Olympic venue used for trampolining.

Bognor’s Dragonflyers have ten performers able to jump at this level, a remarkable achievement. The club are hoping to top last year’s total of four qualifying finalists.

Anya Johnston, 14, finished fifth, performing three sensational high-difficulty routines in a very close contest of exceptional standard, only fractions of a mark separating her from those in the GB squad.

Izzy Hauxwell, 12, who is on the 2014 British elite pathway, and Libby Morton, 11, executed ten somersaults in their ten-bounce routines with power and precision gaining them sixth and seventh positions.

The girls took silver the following day at National League under-16 synchro.

Lee Burgess performed a number of double somersaults with twists in a well-executed routine to finish ninth in the 19-plus men’s contest, while Taylor Cleall, 15, wowed team-mates as she executed two stunning routines, finishing 14th.

Natalie Pullen and Sofija Kalnicenko, both ten, were 17th and 18th after controlling their nerves in their first major event.

All seven performers gained crucial points and are in the running for national finals.

Also competing were Alice Chapman and Ellie Morton in the 13-14-year category and Jenna Partridge (15/16), finishing a credible 36th, 38th and 39th.

With most Flyers raising their tariff (difficulty score) for Hull and Cardiff, coaches have high expectations.

Interested in trampolining? Why not join recreational classes at The Arena, Bognor, or the Dragonflyers if interested in competition? Go to the club’s website for details.

The Flyers are desperately looking for sponsorship for their top performers – if you can help, contact them through the website.

The club have thanked The Arena for their continued support. Coach Linda O’Leary said: “They help us so much with fundraising, without which we couldn’t meet costs of competing at this level – as we are such a small club.”

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