Highland teen hopes to become world's best at aerial sport
Amy Cameron, from Kirkhill, has been been competing in artistic aerial hoop for around three years and has recently had UK national success.
An Inverness-shire woman is hoping to one day become the world's best at a relatively unknown sport.
Amy Cameron, from Kirkhill, has been been competing in artistic aerial hoop for around three years and has recently had UK national success.
The 18-year-old was placed joint first in the nationals, in what was her first senior competition.
She narrowly missed out on a place at the World Championships, but after finishing in the top 10 for the world junior competition when she was 15, Amy has high hopes for the future.
Junior success
Aerial artistic hoop involves a performer sitting, standing and completing various poses while holding on to a large metal ring suspended from a large frame.
After having a dancing background, Amy described how she managed to get into the sport and how people react when she tells them about her passion.
She said: "I was 14 and started off doing pole sport.
"The studio I happened to be training at had an aerial hoop.
"I always remember thinking I’d really like to try it. It’s an amazing feeling especially performing and competing.
"They don’t always know what it is.
"I usually have to get my phone out and show them a picture.
“People sometimes assume it’s hula-hoop, so when I show them a picture they’re amazed at what it actually is."
She was placed sixth in the world for the hoop sport during a competition in Canada when she was 15.
UK national success
After events were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Amy competed in her first senior competition at the UK nationals last month.
She came joint first with Malin Frank, however just missed out on representing the country at the World Championships as Malin achieved a higher choreography score.
Amy outlined what the experience was like and how the routine was a tribute to someone who has been a huge influence on her career.
She said: "It was an amazing experience.
"Obviously, I’m very proud of what I did for my first year competing in seniors.
"It was a new personal best score and I can try again next year.
"The routine was a tribute to Amanda Wayden, my ‘hoop mama' and top (non related) supporter.
“Her frame was gifted to me by her family, without it I wouldn’t have competed this year."
When asked if she thinks she'll be a world champion in the future Amy replied, "I hope so. It is an amazing competition and everyone is extremely talented, but I’ll do my best."
"Amazing" support system
Amy also took the opportunity to thank all her family members and those who helped get her to where she is now.
She said "I’ve obviously had a lot of help with my training, my PT Andrew Sutherland, and I do kick fit classes with Inga Mackenzie. I've had help with fundraising from Heather's Cafe.
"I’ve been dancing with Shayne Cameron since I was six years old, that’s a massive part of my background.
"I’ve got the best support system, it’s amazing."