SCHMIDT LEADS NEW ZEALAND TRAMPOLINE TEAM FOR PARIS OLYMPICS

Dylan Schmidt will be out to add another Olympic medal to his CV as part of the NZ trampoline contingent to travel to this year's Paris Games.

Paris will be the third Olympic Games for Schmidt, 27, who won bronze at Tokyo 2020 and was crowned world champion in 2022.

Schmidt will be joined by Maddie Davidson, who became the first Kiwi woman to compete in trampoline for New Zealand at Tokyo.

"It's crazy that it's my third Olympics, it's flown by," said Schmidt. "To go to my third Games and have the chance to do something special is pretty amazing, and I really love being part of the wider New Zealand team."

Schmidt says he feels in good form, after recently finishing in fourth place at the World Cup in Germany.

"Performing at my peak should get me right up top in Paris," he added. "If I can do that it puts me in the mix for the podium and even the top spot.

"Ultimately, I'm there to be happy with my performance and if I'm happy I'll be in the mix. I really just want to enjoy it have fun and put out a performance I'm proud of."

Christchurch-based Davidson, 25, is thrilled to be off to her second Olympics. 

"It's pretty special," she said. "The first time was a real whirlwind, so to do it a second time is great.  

"I'd love to make the final in Paris. Things are going really well in training so we're definitely heading in the right direction." 

She narrowly missed out on the final at Tokyo, placing 10th overall.

"Well done to both Dylan and Maddie," said NZOC's Nicki Nicol. "I know it's been a big few years of competition and training, and it's fantastic to have them both back for another Olympic campaign. 

"We wish them all the best for the rest of their preparation, and look forward to seeing them wear the fern and compete in Paris in a few month's time."

The trampoline competition at Paris takes place on August 3.

2024-04-23T04:03:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd