Great Britain call-ups for young Apollo trampolinists

Two of Washington's Apollo Trampolining Club's rising stars have been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Age Group Championships.
Trampolinist Isak Cornelissen has won a call-up to the Great Britain squad at the World Age Group Championships in Bulgaria.Trampolinist Isak Cornelissen has won a call-up to the Great Britain squad at the World Age Group Championships in Bulgaria.
Trampolinist Isak Cornelissen has won a call-up to the Great Britain squad at the World Age Group Championships in Bulgaria.

Twelve-year-old Isak Cornelissen will represent his country in the boys’ 11-12 years age group. while Isabelle Garnham, 13, will be flying the flag in the girls’ 13-14 years category.

As well as that, Kat Driscoll has been selected as team manager for the championships in Bulgaria, with Apollo’s Gary Short named team coach for the November event.

Surprise call-up: Isabelle GarnhamSurprise call-up: Isabelle Garnham
Surprise call-up: Isabelle Garnham
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Driscoll has also been selected to represent GB at the senior World Championships – the ninth time she has done so.

It caps a remarkable fortnight for the club, who had a record-breaking eight medal haul from the Trampoline and Tumbling British Championship, then followed that up with 10 medalists in the Northern Championships last weekend.

“It has been a really successful few weeks for the club,” Driscoll.

“It was phenomenal to get those two call-ups.

Kat Driscoll and Apollo coach Gary ShortKat Driscoll and Apollo coach Gary Short
Kat Driscoll and Apollo coach Gary Short

“We went to the championships hoping to get one, but for the club to have two is a tremendous result.

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“We were close to three, but Martin Bland just missed out in his age group, despite beating the boy who was selected in the final.”

On Isak, Driscoll said: “It is only his second year trampolining.

“It is amazing to see him doing so well, with so little experience behind him.

Surprise call-up: Isabelle GarnhamSurprise call-up: Isabelle Garnham
Surprise call-up: Isabelle Garnham

“It is is a testament to his ability and hard work that he is where he is today.

“This is also his first year competing at elite level.

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“In such a big year for him away from the sport, moving from year 7 to year 8 and senior school, he has been execllent with his commitment and attitude.”

While Isak’s call-up had been expected, Isabelle’s was much less so.

Kat Driscoll and Apollo coach Gary ShortKat Driscoll and Apollo coach Gary Short
Kat Driscoll and Apollo coach Gary Short

“Her temperament is outstanding,” Driscoll said of the youngster.

“Whenever she competes she never shouts about her achievements.

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“No one at her school even knew about what she had done. She said she doesn’t think it is anything worth shouting about. We had to tell her it is worth celebrating.

“But that just shows how level-headed she is.”

Driscoll added: “Both of them never get too up or two down when things go well, or not so well.

“I have no doubt both of them have a very bright future in the sport, as do a whole host of trampolinists at our club.”