Youngsters leap to high places

John Landrigan | 7th January 2010

Reporter John Landrigan discovered Auckland has some outstanding talent.

In July, The Aucklander revealed the impressive aspirations of two young trampolinists.

Dylan Schmidt and Abby Roper, both  12, qualified for the world champs in St Petersburg in November. Abby, a Year 8 pupil at St Thomas' School in Kohimarama, came a credible seventh out of 52 competitors from around the globe. Amazingly, she was in second place and in medal contention right up until the last round. Dylan, who hails from Waihi
but trains several times a week in Mt Roskill, won gold in the individual event for his age group. "This is the first time ever [for a New Zealander],'' says coach Angie Dougal. "It is unprecedented.''

It more than justified Dylan being a finalist in this year's Auckland Sporting Excellence Awards.

His sister, Rachel, 15, teamed up with Aucklander Jessie Shaw,18, for a silver medal in the synchronised section.