SOME of Cleveland Air Magic Rope Skipping Club members will take part in the World Championships in China as part of the Australian Rope Skipping Squad.
Three teams and two individual skippers will travel to Shanghai on July 22 to compete.
The mixed open team – Luke Boon, Jackie Robba, Jake Eve, Lilly Barker and Ben Cooper – will be aiming to win their seventh consecutive World Championship Title.
The Open Female team – Baylie Stariha, Tamison Lees, Belinda Charlesworth, Maddie Brennan and Makella Hoad – and the 12 to 14 years team – Jemma Bihari, Amy Grimes, Naomi Tucker, Ayla Harmer and Erin Aspinall will aim to return with a win.
Emma Jackson and Trinity North will also be competing in a group routine.
Head coach Carolyn Barker said the team began their campaign for Shanghai last October when they first qualified to represent Australia.
“This year we have been training our teams and individuals six to seven times a week,” she said. “This is in contrast to some Asian countries who train twice a day five days a week.
“Our results from the nationals in Canberra indicate that we are on track for some exciting results at this next upcoming worlds (competition).”
Ms Barker said she was extremely proud to watch senior open and World Champion Luke Boon receive his world record plaque that he holds for doing 530 consecutive triple unders at nationals.
Champion and senior coach Ben Cooper said he thought the club dominated the national competition giving rise to a number of individuals and teams.
“Particularly for those who are travelling to China it was successful, as the competition gave us all a good indication of what needs to be our area of focus… before we fly out,” he said.
After a meeting including international rope skipping delegates this year, skipping has recently been acknowledged as a sport.