Trampoline star reaches dizzying heights
JUMPING on a trampoline is a popular, fun outdoor activity. Jovan Stephens, however, has reached dizzying heights in the discipline.
The 16-year-old, the current junior national champion, is one of the country’s brightest young talents in the sport of trampolining.
The Olympic event requires competitors to perform acrobatics while bouncing on the trampoline.
Stephens has been competing for just three years, but in that short space of time has progressed rapidly and has already set his sights on becoming a future Olympian.
“I was delighted when I won the South African Championship at the Gym Games in August. I hope that I am on the right track to achieve my goals.”
Born in Pietermaritzburg, he moved to Pretoria with his family 13 years ago. Stephens has had a trampoline at home ever since he was six, although he never took his ability seriously. While “fooling around” on the trampoline as an eight-year-old, he recalls being incredibly comfortable.
“I started to practise every day for hours. My parents would often get worried when they saw me doing flips,” he joked.
In 2011 he joined a local gymnasium and began coaching. A year later he entered his first competition and landed top spot on the podium.
Over the past two years, Stephens has been mentored by national coach Tian van der Walt at TuksSport High School.
He also achieved international success at the Zone VI Championships, where he won gold medals in 2012 and last year.
His success has also come with challenges as the sport continues to evolve each year.
“I have to learn new moves every year,” Stephens said. “The experience helps a lot, but it doesn’t get any easier.”
The season may be over, but the modest athlete still continues to train as he builds towards next year.
“I want to compete in the African Championships next year,” he added. “That is a major competition for me. I love representing South Africa.”
Stephens credits much of his success to the support he has received from his parents, Reuben and Judy.