A SCHOOLGIRL is soaring high after winning trampolining gold at the English Championships.

Lily Robson, 13, from Balcombe, bounced back to secure first place in the 13-14 Silver category, despite setbacks earlier this year due to growing bones.

The Lewes Old Grammar Schools (LOGS) student said: “It felt great to do well and win gold, as I haven’t had the best year due to my injury. I had to withdraw from my last tournament with a back injury, so it felt good to win.”

Lily opened with a cracking performance of the set routine and a second routine she prepared herself, sending her into the final round in first place. In her final routine Lily again impressed judges with the difficulty and air time of her jumps, keeping her in first place and winning her a gold medal. “I was nervous because I was going into the final in first place so it was a case of holding my position and not letting anyone else beat me,” she said. “It was such a relief to finish my last routine and know I did well.”

The victory is just the latest in a growing line of successes for the young gymnast who qualified at national level in 2015. Competing in the British Championships last year, Lily took home bronze in the 11-12 girls age group and secured a place at the World Age Group Competition in Denmark. Up against 79 competitors from 25 countries, Lily finished an incredible 23rd in the world for her age group.

The Balcombe girl started trampolining at the tender age of seven, and after coaches at Sky High Trampoline club in Uckfield recognised her potential she was soon participating in club sessions. Now Lily trains five days a week, jumping for two hours and conditioning her body.

“The thing I most enjoy about trampolining is the feeling of being able to fly and the competitiveness of it all,” she said.

Proud mum Sally Robson praised her daughter for managing her studies and trampolining. She said: “She has done really well and has continued to go at it even when she is knocked back by injuries. She is determined to keep going, and she enjoys it which is most important.”

Lily will next be seen competing on behalf of LOGS in December for the qualifying round of the British Schools competition. LOGS PE teacher, Hannah Thorpe, said: “ We were delighted to learn of Lily’s success in the English National championships this month and we’re so excited to support her as she compete for the school in December. Her achievements indicate how far total dedication, commitment and perseverance can take you.”

The keen netballer is now looking forward to the new year when she hopes to represent Great Britain at the world championships and maybe one day represent her country at the highest level.

“My biggest goal is to go to the Olympics.”