How did you initially get involved in the sport? And specifically TuksTrampoline.
I started trampoline in Jo’burg (Alexandria township) but I was also training in Pretoria as well – twice a week. Then [in] 2005 I received support from Helen and Tiaan van der Walt so that I can come stay this side in Pretoria and train with them, which gave me an opportunity to train on good standard equipment and facilities.
What exactly does being a trampolinist entail?
Being a trampolinist entails exercising, stretching, eating healthy, [being] flexible, creative and strong [and] being brave.
What major competitions have you taken part in?
Major competitions: African Championship four times, Indo Pacific Championship six times, World Championship seven times, and World Games 2009, which come every four years just like [the] Olympic Games.
You took a two-year absence from the trampoline before returning for the Indo Pacific Championships and Gauteng North Competition. Why?
I took a two-year absence because I got injured on my knee so bad so I had to go for knee surgery.
You did really well in the Indo Pacific Championships and Gauteng North Competition, how did you find that experience?
Indo Pacific experience was amazing because I had to compete against [the] best gymnasts from other countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia and Namibia.
You qualified to represent South Africa at the 2014 World Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida in November. What are you most looking forward to in the World Championships?
I’m mostly looking forward to facing the best gymnasts from all over the world and I’m looking forward to getting a good ranking and making finals which is possible for me, and I’m really looking forward to making a massive statement to the world.
How tough is the competition? Who is your biggest competition?
Competition is very tough because every country brings their A-team and there’s many competitors to jump against, [the] main reason for tough competition is because [there] will be hundreds of competitors and only eight go through to finals, which means [not] making even a small mistake.
Are there any trampolinists that you look up to and aspire to be like?
I’m looking up to this trampolinist from China called Dong Dong, multiple world champion and Olympic champion. The guy is very exceptional and amazing, he is just close to being perfect in trampoline. So yes, I can identify him as a legend and trampoline god. He is my inspiration.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future, I want to make it [to] the 2016 Olympic Games and still be involved in the trampoline industry to inspire our upcoming champions (being involved with coaching and become a national coach) and also get my degree in sports science so that many doors can be opened.
What are the greatest and worst moments in your trampoline career?
Actually I have lots of greatest moments such as winning [the] African Championships multiple times in double mini training, multiple times SA champion and best ranking of my life, World Games 2009 ranked seventh in the world and currently Indo Pacific Champion 2014. Worst time is when I got injured, tore my ligament in my knee, that was the scariest time of my life.
What would you rate are your strongest and weakest points?
My strongest point during competitions locally and internationally [is that] I don’t get intimidated by any competitor, it doesn’t matter how good they are, I still show some sense of excitement and believe in myself. My weakest point [is that] I tend to stress too much if people expect amazing results from me and if all attention is on me from [the] audience, supporters and judges and media, but I still do well at the end of the day.
Lucky Radebe in action. Image provided
