Spotter reactions crucial when trampolinists take a tumble
June 25 2019
Spotters in trampoline gymnastics must be prepared to react in milliseconds to help athletes avoid accidents when things do not go to plan.
Competitors bounce to dizzying heights, performing twists, turns and somersaults before landing. The risk of serious injury is acute if they miscalculate and miss the target.

Uladzimir Kakorka, a former world-class trampolinist himself, is a spotter at the Minsk 2019 European Games. The 43-year-old Belarusian guards one of the trampoline's four corners, ever ready to catch athletes or break their fall should they tumble out of control.  

"It is stressful," Kakorka said. "When I stand near the trampoline it's very touching for me because I am a former athlete and I worry about them."

He was on duty in Minsk Arena on Monday when home hero Uladzislau Hancharou landed awkwardly while performing with Aleh Rabtsau in the men's synchronised finals, ending the double world champions' medal hopes.

Kakorka said concentration is vital for spotters when people are 10 metres in the air.  

"I only want a safe performance for every athlete and when you're seeing a person flying from such a height you certainly will catch him. It's very important that you do it." 

GNS jc/tc/pp

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