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Interview with former GB Trampolinist Amanda Parker

After 26 golden years of trampolining, former Edgbarrow club member and GB Trampolinist Amanda Parker retired from the sport last year. At League Finals 2016 we were lucky enough to have her in the commentary box for the weekend! We had a chance to catch up with her and ask a few burning questions about her career…

What was your biggest accomplishment in trampolining?

It has to be winning the World Games and World Championships in 2013 in synchronised trampolining, closely followed by being the Reserve for the London 2012 Olympics. That was such an honour, especially with them being the home games!

When training, how did you set your goals

For me, I always looked at what was realistic and what was achievable in a given time. I set targets that could be accomplished in the short term and over a longer period of time so that I was constantly striving towards that end goal. That way, I found it easier to stay motivated and keep tabs on my progress.

What was your biggest challenge and what did you do to manage this?

I was training full time whilst upholding a professional career. Although this was really tough at times I had to manage my time effectively and fit in training alongside part time teaching, coaching and balancing my lifestyle. I was lucky enough to have a coach and club that accommodated me to train at any time – even 7am! On second thoughts maybe those mornings were my biggest challenge!

What was the best advice you were ever given?

When you’ve been in the sport for 26 years like me you’ve got a vast bank to chose from! Something that always stuck with me was something my coach Sue Lawton said before a competition:

“Just focus on your own performance. You have no control over what anyone else does; only you can control your own routine”

This completely changed my competition attitude and allowed me to relax and focus on me.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My parents. They are amazing role models and have taught me to be the woman I am today. They have motivated me, supported me and followed me every step of the way in my trampolining career and have been there through the best times and the worst times. They allow me to flourish and inspired me to pursue a career in sport.

Now you are retired, what does the future hold?

I am now living in Kent with my fiancé James and we get married next year, so in the short term, lots of wedding planning! I am also teaching full time and looking forward to being able to dedicate and commit my time and effort into inspiring the future generations in sport. For those that know me well, I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie so I’m looking forward to living adventures without the fear of injuring myself for trampolining!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am so grateful for what the sport has taught me. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world doing something I love. Trampolining has taught me many things: to be passionate about something, discipline, prioritising what is important, learning from failure, being a good role model and sportsperson.

Since hanging up my leotard it’s been hard leaving such a huge part of me behind. Reflecting on some incredible memories and all my achievements and what I have gained from the sport makes me feel proud and I know trampolining will always be a part of who I am.

I want to thank trampolining for showing me the highest of highs and learning to stand back up from the lowest of lows. Thank you for showing me how to be humble, committed, dedicated and proud of something I invested so much time in. Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and most of all, thank you for allowing me to fly.

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