Nathan Copey of Emerald will spring into action at the 2007 National Trampoline Championships this week.By Tania Martin
FOR Nathan Copey jumping on the trampoline is more than just a fun past time, it’s a sport.
This 12-year-old Emerald boy will spring into action this week at the 2007 National Trampoline Championships in Bendigo.
Copey is no stranger to competition, as he has spent most of his childhood training to be a gymnast.
But two years ago he decided to give gymnastics the flick because he wanted to try something new.
So he turned his attention to the trampoline and has since competed in two state championships and is now gearing up for his national’s debut.
Copey said when he decided to quit gymnastics he wanted to find a similar sport.
“Me and mum looked at lots of things but we decided that it was either going to be diving or trampolining,” he said.
“So we decided to try trampolining – it’s lots of fun and is really exciting and I just love bouncing up and down all the time.”
But trampolining is about more than just competing for this pint-sized boy it is a great way to meet new people.
Copey has competed in the trampolining state championships twice in the last two years coming second in 2006 and eighth this year.
He says the national wasn’t all about winning but doing the best he could.
Copey doesn’t expect to take home any medals from the upcoming nationals but wants to beat his personal best.
Despite dreaming of an Olympic medal in trampolining one day, Copey says he doubts he will make it that far.
But Copey says at the moment trampolining is a fun way of meeting new people and learning new skills.
The national championships kicked off on Sunday, 1 July and will finish on Thursday, 5 July.
