Countdown Leap towards Tokyo Games
New Zealand trampoline athlete Maddie Davidson has provisionally qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after an outstanding performance at the World Cup in Brescia, Italy, last weekend.
If selected, Davidson, a 22-yearold from Christchurch, would become the first female from New Zealand to compete in trampoline gymnastics at the Olympics.
Trampoline gymnastics was introduced to the Olympics in 2000. Dylan Schmidt was the first New Zealand athlete to compete in the event in Rio 2016.
Olympic qualification works on ranking points, awarded from named events over the last two years. Going into this last qualification event, Davidson was ranked within the top 16 qualification spots, but three rivals were also in contention.
‘‘We knew I needed to at least make finals to confirm a quota spot. It was also my first [senior] open finals so I was super excited,’’ Davidson said.
‘‘I was over the moon when I realised we had secured the quota spot. It is a real honour to compete for your country, and if I get the chance, being the first female at the Olympics will be something I’ll take a lot of pride in.
‘‘I grew up watching amazing female trampoline athletes who were always looking to break through boundaries and those athletes helped inspire and motivate me to do the same. I hope to be that for the young girls in New Zealand.’’
Once qualification spots have been confirmed, the next steps towards Tokyo 2020 is a nomination to the New Zealand Olympic Committee).
The NZOC’s over-riding criteria is a top-16 finish at the Games with the potential for a top eight, so selection hopes bode well for Davidson.
She could join men’s artistic gymnast Misha Koudinov, who qualified the Oceania spot for Tokyo Olympics last month in Australia. Rio 2016 trampoline athlete Dylan Schmidt is also up for selection for Tokyo.