After earning the last spot in the eight-woman Olympic trampoline final, Canada’s Sophiane Methot bounced to a surprising bronze medal on Friday.
The Varennes, Que. athlete picked up Canada’s ninth medal in Paris (three gold, two silver, four bronze) in her Olympic debut.
Methot, who turns 26 on Saturday, scored 55.65 points.
Great Britain’s Bryony Page won gold with 56.48 points, giving her a medal of every colour at the Olympics. Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya of Belarus, competing as an independent athlete, won silver with 56.06 points.
“I think it’s the best (birthday) gift ever,” Methot told CBC Olympics. “Third on August 3, so that’s amazing.
Methot secured bronze when the final competitor, Hu Yicheng of China, bounced off the edge of the trampoline.
It is the sixth Olympic medal for Canada in women’s trampoline since the event debuted in 2000.
Methot finished fifth at the world championships last year. She won a bronze at worlds in 2017.
The Canadian entered the Olympics with momentum after taking bronze at a World Cup in Portugal last month.
Methot couldn’t make a run at an Olympic spot three years ago in Tokyo because of injuries.
“My main goal was to come into Paris qualification healthy, so that’s what I did,” she said. “Every year, I got better. I’m really proud of everything I’ve been through.”
Canadian trampolinist Sophiane Methot made her mark at the Tokyo Olympics by securing a bronze medal in the trampoline event. The 23-year-old athlete from Quebec put on a stellar performance, showcasing her incredible skills and determination on the world stage.
Methot’s journey to the Olympics was not an easy one. She faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but she never gave up on her dream of representing Canada at the highest level of competition. Her hard work and dedication paid off as she delivered a flawless routine in the final round, earning her a spot on the podium.
Trampoline is a sport that requires precision, strength, and agility. Athletes must perform a series of complex flips, twists, and somersaults while bouncing on a trampoline, all while maintaining perfect form and control. Methot’s years of training and experience allowed her to execute her routine with grace and confidence, impressing both the judges and the audience.
Methot’s bronze medal win is a testament to her talent and perseverance. She has proven herself to be a formidable competitor in the world of trampoline gymnastics, and her success at the Olympics will surely inspire aspiring athletes across Canada and beyond.
As Methot celebrates her well-deserved victory, she serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and passion for one’s sport. Her bronze medal win is not just a personal triumph, but a source of pride for her country and a reminder of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Congratulations to Sophiane Methot on her Olympic success!