University of Gloucestershire’s Kyle Jewitt reflected on his recent competition and podium finish despite a suboptimal final move after returning to the sport.
“I podiumed which was good, I wasn’t expecting to podium but then self-critic, my last move was really bad.
“I performed it well in training and I know I can do it better than when I competed and it was probably the biggest deduction of both routines but I’m happy with the overall outcome.”
Jewitt placed third in the Bristol Open 2024 competition where he scored an overall total of 53.650 – his first routine scored 24.750 which was just below his second routine that scored 28.900.
Take a look here at the scoreboard from Saturday’s competition.
“I was a national performer for Wales, and then I stopped competing when I was 18 because I couldn’t get any further than international.
“I just came back to the club when I joined uni.”
The University of Gloucestershire trampolining club cater for all abilities who want to either compete or have fun with the sport whilst studying at uni.
When questioned about the pressures he faces and how he copes, Jewitt said, “I actually quite like the pressure to perform better, I fret on it.
“It’s nice to get your brain out of it and walk around with the other girls to see the competition.
“I bring my Nintendo and play Pokémon which works as a good distraction and escape.”
Trampolining made its first appearance in the Olympics in 2000 and has gained more coverage over the years but Jewitt believes there is still work to be done, “It could be a bit better, it’s bigger in China and the US but with the youth group GB teams it’s bringing through a lot.
“I think the Olympics are still very attached to gymnastics and diving so I think there is still work to be done.”
Jewitt started trampolining when he was only eight-years-old and has many memories to recall but his favourite happened whilst training.
“One of the coaches fell off the bed whilst trying to help someone do a backflip, it was very unexpected and took us all by surprise but we had a laugh after it happened.”
Years in the sport has helped the UOG student come up with his perfect preparation for competitions, “I normally sleep, but I didn’t for this competition.
“I like to have good snacks and break up my day.
“I bring my headphones too so I can listen to music to get me into the zone ahead of performing.”
Jewitt has a competition upcoming in December where he hopes to be upgraded to a new set.
“I’m going to do the same as I did last time but hopefully get upgraded to a new set and I’ll do new skill prep until then.”
