The Rio Summer Olympics kick off with the opening ceremony on Aug. 5. In the month leading up to the games, we’ll be showcasing some of the athletes looking to win big on the world’s biggest stage, getting to know them and their sports. First up, Canada’s champion trampoline gymnast: Rosie MacLennan.
Only one Canadian won Olympic gold four years ago, so only one can defend her title in Rio—but Rosie MacLennan isn’t exactly fixating on that.
“For you to go into competition with the mentality to defend, it’s like you have something to lose,” the two-time world champion says. “I really don’t feel that way.”
Instead, the 27-year-old from King City, Ont., currently ranked No. 4 in the world, says all she’s thinking about is laying down the best routines of her life.
Sportsnet: What sort of competition are you up against in Rio?
MacLennan: There will be 16 girls in Rio, all of whom are going in to be the best we can be. The toughest competition will likely be the two Chinese athletes and the Belarusians. In order to win, you have to first qualify for finals. In the final, we all start from 0. The winner will have to complete a routine that combines power, beauty and difficulty.
For every athlete, what they focus on—form, height and difficulty—is individual. I will try and get a bit of an edge in difficulty. But to win, you have to have all three.
You added a third triple somersault. How’s that been going?
I wanted to do three front triples but have since gone to plan B, three triples in a row in the beginning of the routine. It’s been fun to work on, [but I] definitely have some room for improvement still. I will likely only compete this routine if I make it to the final.
Do you have a favourite moment in your routine?
I don’t have a favourite moment—I try to stay focused on the flow and the rhythm. When you get in a good rhythm, that’s my favourite feeling.
What does your dream routine look like?
High, clean, in the middle of the trampoline, in a great flow.
Are there specific parts you really need to nail?
All of it! There’s no room for error—you need to be focused on each and every skill, and if you get sidetracked by nailing one specific part, you get distracted from what comes next. From the moment you present to the judges at the beginning to the moment you present to the judges at the end, you have to be on.
How does your Rio routine compare to your gold-medal winning routine from four years ago in London?
Will have to wait and see. The planned preliminary routines are very similar to what I planned in the preliminary round in Rio. If I make the final, I will hopefully add another triple.
The women’s trampoline competition begins Aug. 12
