EDWARD WEEDEN'S JOURNEY

Edward Weeden
Tell us a little bit about yourself :)

I'm a Bournemouth university student studying sport development and coaching science. Although I'm studying in Bournemouth I am actually from Surrey, which is where I first started trampolining. I'm also a personal trainer now at the village gym in Bournemouth which I love. My trampolining club is OLGA which is based in Poole and one of the top 3 clubs in the country.

How did you get introduced to trampolining and when did it get serious?

I actually started gymnastics because I had a friend who could do a back somersault and it annoyed me that I could not. It wasn't until my grandad bought a garden trampoline where I realised I specifically enjoyed trampolining more. Trampolining became serious for me around the age of 14 when I went to the nationals and it has continued from there onwards.

Can you share your biggest challenges?

The biggest challenges I face personally have to be flexibility and my ability to time the trampoline bed (which is very important) - this comes with time and practice though.

How do you handle pressure and where do you find your motivation?

I tend to handle pressure by staying around friends at a competition and keeping my mind distracted. When it comes to motivation I find failure helps a lot as I hate to fail and will always try my best to improve my performance.

What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to trampolining, of course)?

So, at national championships we have march-ons which is where all the competitors walk in the arena one behind another to music. And at one nationals I got so distracted by the crowd I didn't see the person in front of me stop. I walked straight into him and knocked myself to the ground.

How did trampolining influence your life in other ways?

Trampoline has taught me so much but I must admit it has not been easy. I had a very sociable life during first year of university and was burning the candle at both ends. Although I improved on the trampoline over the years, it was reduced because of my social life which I struggled to restrict.

What does your typical day look like?

So a typical day for myself goes like this:

  • Wake up 5:00 am
  • Work from around 6:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Cardiovascular training and stretching for about and hour and a half.
  • Then trampoline training in the evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
And what about your flexibility training ? Where does that fit in ?

Flexibility is hugely important in trampolining which is why I work on my flexibility at least twice a day. After cardiovascular training and before and after trampoline training.

What are your future plans/goals/dreams?

This year I am competing in the under 21s however next year I would like to compete in the men's elite and qualify for the final as well as come in the top 8.

Any tips for passionate people who are starting to practice trampolining now?
  • Give it everything you have
  • Always stretch and work on your flexibility
Anything you’d like to share?

Edwardweeden is my Instagram name.

 
Edward Weeden

Trampoline Gymnast

Instagram @Edwardweeden