91-year-old Peter Quinney wins two gold medals at trampolining competition
Peter Quinney, a 91-year-old from Melksham, Wiltshire, has won two gold medals at a recent trampolining competition for athletes aged over forty, reports BritPanorama.
Competing at the Portsmouth Gymnastics Club event on January 25, Quinney made a remarkable return to the sport, having not participated in any competition for four decades. The former RAF physical training instructor shone in the non-flipping category and received a special award for his significant contributions to trampolining.
Quinney’s journey in trampolining dates back to 1955 when he became the British champion in 1960 as a member of the RAF gymnastics display team. At the recent competition, he impressed the judges with a ten-bounce routine featuring a 360 spin and a seat drop, earning him gold medals in both individual and team events.
On his 90th birthday, Quinney showcased his skills by successfully completing a double back somersault with the aid of a safety rig. “It was a most enjoyable afternoon,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of finding activities to maintain fitness and enjoyment in retirement.
His commitment to the sport extends beyond competition; Quinney dedicates four hours every Saturday to coaching at the Spire Heights Club in Salisbury. He has developed special needs and rebound therapy programs, benefiting children and adults throughout Wiltshire.
Quinney’s international legacy includes introducing trampolining to schools in Singapore, where he coordinated a children’s display team for the country’s independence celebrations in 1965 under the direction of first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. “It’s very easy to slip into just wandering round the garden and watching television, but I like to continue doing what I’ve always done,” he noted.
Looking to the future, Quinney has ambitious plans for his 100th birthday; he aims to perform 100 backflips to raise funds for Cancer Research. “If I could do that and raise some money for Cancer Research, then I would be delighted,” he stated.
His fellow coach at Spire Heights Club, Sue Burt, praised Quinney’s achievements, calling the competition day “amazing” and acknowledging his lifelong dedication to trampolining. “The fact that he’s still actively coaching every Saturday at 91 is incredible. But to compete again, perform, and win, after more than 40 years away, is something truly special,” Burt remarked.
Quinney’s story offers a vivid reminder of resilience and passion across generations, showcasing how the love for sport can thrive well into the later years of life.
