A life of ups and downs

Student life can be full of ups and downs and that is definitely the case for Sacred Heart High School pupil Samuel Ramos.

Samuel looks to have a massive future ahead of him in the sport of trampolining, as he is already ranked number one in Britain for double mini Trampoline.

It is a fantastic feat for the youngster, who beat the current 2014 British champion out in Daytona, USA, to claim pole position.

As if that was not enough, the talented young gymnast is also ranked number 2 in Britain for trampoline in his age group, number 10 in the world for double mini trampoline and number 13 in the world for the Olympic sport trampoline in his 11-12 age group.

Proud mum, Anita, said: “Samuel has had a wonderful 1st World age competition, competing for GB out in Daytona Beach. This was an amazing achievement and one he has been working hard for all year.

“The competition was fierce, with 33 elite gymnasts competing from all over the world.

“In a sport such as gymnastics, at junior elite level, a gymnast that has one more year’s experience has an advantage, so it is fantastic that Samuel is already ranking so high up at 11.

“His GB coaches and all his family are so proud of him. He held his nerve completing in all four of his routines, which can’t have been easy in such a big arena.”

Samuel already has his sights on further glory in next year’s World Championships. He said: “After competing in America, my goal was to come home, get straight back into training and then focus on competing at the 2015 World Championships.

“My aim is to make the finals, which is the top eight scoring gymnasts, which would put me in contention for a medal.”

What makes Sam’s achievements even more impressive is the fact he only started competing in the sport two years ago.

Prior to that, he was coached from the age of three by his father and has attended the prestigious City of Liverpool Gymnastic Club since he was nine.

Mum has been quick to recognise the support Samuel has received at Sacred Heart and has thanked the College for the help and backing he has received, adding:  “Samuel has been at Sacred Heart only a short while and his father and I are extremely grateful for the immediate interest and support the school has shown in Samuel.

“Without the school’s support and allowing Samuel to train in school time, it would make it almost impossible for him to reach his goals

“At junior level in any elite sport, it is all about keeping the person focused, interested and motivated so they can stay in the sport for as long as possible”.