Australian junior trampoline champion Patrick Cooper has finished 10th at the Youth Olympic Games at Bishan Sports Hall.

Sadly, the 17-year-old was unable to complete his voluntary routine after stepping on to the side matt halfway through his 10 skill routine.

“It felt weird right from the first skill,” Cooper recalled.

“I didn’t feel safe after getting a bad take-off. I kept going as much as I could and then I stepped on the side and that was that.

“I tried my best and that’s all you can ask for. I’m really disappointed but I managed to keep a smile for the cameras.”

Cooper was in 10th place after the first compulsory routine with his score of 25.600.

The pressure was on to nail his voluntary routine to move into the top 8 and progress to the medal round routine.

“I guess the atmosphere kind of got to me a little bit and I was more nervous than usual. It’s all about whoever’s best on the day.

“I’ll do better next time I know I will.”

The gold medal was won by Oleksandr Satin of Ukraine, China’s He Yuxiang the silver and Japan’s Ginga Munetomo the bronze.

So what does an athlete do when they finish competing?

“I’m going to go to Maccas and then to the disco in the Village and dance the night away," Cooper said.

Earlier in the day his teammate Madeleine Johnson finished a sixth in a tremendous effort in the women’s event.

Andrew Reid
AOC