Jump star Jamie has the world at his feet

Jamie Gibney visited Health Kicks Kitchen in Preston. He is pictured with co-owners Phil Smith, left, and Grant Forshaw.

The 16-year-old has been earmarked to compete in the junior men’s double mini trampoline (DMT) event in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

And this week he has received even more good news by being selected by England to be part of their junior development programme in trampolining.

It has certainly been a fine few weeks for the Newman College student, who was crowned British trampoline champion for his age group in Liverpool last month.

He also picked up a bronze medal in DMT at the same tournament, before helping his country to secure a team DMT silver at the prestigious Loule Cup, in Portugal, the weekend before last.

Gibney, who is a former member of Preston-based club Jump UK, celebrated his England call-up by producing another excellent performance at the English Championships, in Sheffield, at the weekend. He achieved a personal best score of 36.7 in DMT and helped the North West claim an overall silver medal.

Gibney, whose success is all the more remarkable considering he was born several weeks premature, would like to thank his many sponsors, who have made his dream of competing in Bulgaria a reality. He needed to raise around £1,700 to fund his trip and thanks to the generosity of local businesses, as well as friends and family,he has reached his target.

Mum Wendy said: “Jamie and I are overwhelmed with the support from our local community, family and friends. Without their support Jamie would not have been able to accept his place with GB at this year’s World Championships.”