Haslingden High School Trampolinists Secure National Finals Berth After Northern Zonal Victory
Talented trampolinists from Haslingden High School and Sixth Form have achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Northern Zonal competition, earning a coveted spot in the British Schools Gymnastics Association National Trampoline Finals. The team, comprising 14-year-olds Ruby Healey, Antonia Cusurca, and Megan Robertson, triumphed over opponents up to four years their senior, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Road to the National Finals in Derby
The British Schools Gymnastics Association National Trampoline Finals are scheduled to take place at Derby Arena on March 13 and 14. This prestigious event follows last year's finals at the same venue, where the Haslingden team secured a commendable third place nationally. This year, the same four students, including Aden Ramsay who qualified from the North West heat but missed the Zonals, will compete with hopes of improving their standing.
At the Northern Trampoline Zonal competition held on January 30 at The King's School in Macclesfield, the school was represented by the trio of young athletes. Megan Robertson led the charge, placing first in the individual results, which also qualifies her for the national individual title. Ruby Healey finished fifth in the Year 10-14 Girls Intermediate category, while Antonia Cusurca secured eighth place, both contributing significantly to the team's overall victory.
Overcoming Challenges and Adversity
The competition was not without its hurdles. The team competed in the intermediate section, which spans Years 10 to 14, making them the youngest participants among six teams. Megan Robertson, who has been trampolining for a decade, highlighted the psychological challenge of facing older competitors. She remarked, "The hardest part about this competition was psyching yourself up knowing you were up against people up to four years older."
Logistical challenges added to the pressure, as the team departed Haslingden at 5 a.m. to arrive early for 15 minutes of familiarisation time on the trampolines before their routines began at 8 a.m. Megan noted the variability in equipment, stating, "All the beds are different, some are shaky, on some the rebound is different and some you have to push really hard to get as high as you need to for your routine." Despite a wobble in the North West regionals in December, she performed flawlessly at the Zonals.
Team Spirit and Future Prospects
Antonia Cusurca shared her personal struggles with competition nerves, saying, "I don't like competitions because I don't like people watching me because my legs go like jelly, but the adrenaline kicks in." Her resilience, along with that of her teammates, propelled the group to success. Additionally, Haslingden High School Sixth Form student Halle Walden placed eighth in the Year 10-14 Girls Advanced category, further highlighting the school's strong trampolining program.
The team trains at Fearns Trampoline Club, which meets at The Valley Leadership Academy in Stacksteads. Notably, five other students from the club have also qualified for the national final, underscoring the club's role in nurturing young talent. As the national finals approach, the Haslingden gymnasts are poised to build on their Zonal victory and aim for even greater achievements on the national stage.
