Liverpool trampoline star reflects on making history at Olympics

Zak Perzamanos finished the highest of any GB men's trampoline athlete

Author: Harry BoothPublished 27th Aug 2024

Liverpool trampoline star Zak Perzamanos has had a homecoming to remember after achieving history at the Olympics.

The 21-year-old secured GB's highest-ever finish in the men's Olympic trampoline competition with a fourth placed finish - beating the previous record of fifth set by Lee Brearley at Sydney 2000.

He has visited the place where he honed his talents - the Liverpool Trampoline Academy - for the first time since his exploits in Paris.

Zak said:

"It's unbelievable and I'm glad I could get that (history). It's good because for the next one, I'm motivated to get on that podium!

"I'm made up to finish fourth, it's a big achievement and it leaves room for improvement!"

Around 100 members of the academy went over to Paris to support Zak and celebrated with him in the French capital after his success.

Zak added:

"(It was) unreal - having all my friends and family there. When I'm marching out and you can just see people sitting there.

"I had these lot very close to the trampoline so when I was warming up, I was going over to them and having a quick word with them and it was just boss to have all of my friends and family there."

Zak's coach Jay Scouler was one of those to be over in Paris to support and celebrate with his star athlete.

Jay said:

"He did the most amazing routine. He actually completed the most difficult routine of any athlete in the final. His height was good, he was right around the middle of the trampoline, he scored a great score.

"To finish fourth at his first age and to do it at his first Olympic Games is phenomenal.

"We had a little party organised after. We decided a long time ago that no matter what happened, we were going to celebrate.

"It was a historic achievement for the club to have had somebody at the Olympic Games for the first time and for him to have gone out and delivered the best routine anyone had ever done for Great Britain was phenomenal so regardless of the outcome, we were always going to celebrate and we absolutely did that in Parish that night for sure!"

Zak's next big challenge is the World Games next year in synchro, which they still need to secure a place for.

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