(Montreal) While some trampolinists will take advantage of the Coimbra World Cup to refine their routine in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games, others, like Quebecers Alexan Adjemian and Mélina Corriveau, will have their very first experience in the circuit.
A moment that promises to be stressful, but above all very exciting for the two young athletes from the Virtuose club located in Longueuil.
“I’m very excited, it’s going to be a great experience. I know that the level will be very high as it is just before the Olympic Games. It’s certain that there is a bit of stress related to that. Obviously I don’t want to compare myself to the best in the world right away, but I know it will be quite impressive,” Alexan Adjemian told Sportcom.
“It’s indeed very exciting, I will be in the same competition as several athletes who inspire me a lot. It’s definitely a dream that will come true in a few weeks,” added Mélina Corriveau, about this World Cup scheduled for July 6 and 7, in Portugal.
Adjemian, 18, and Corriveau, 16, will be able to count on the support of more experienced teammates on the international scene. Sophiane Méthot and Sarah Milette will be there, in addition to Jérémy Chartier, who will return to competition after suffering an ankle injury.
“I feel like it’s almost like I’m going to compete with my family. It is very important for me to know that my teammates will be by my side and that my coach Karina Kosko will be there too. It takes away stress, that’s for sure,” explained Mélina Corriveau.
“It’s reassuring to know that Sophiane, Sarah and Jérémy are going to be there with us,” Adjemian continued. I know that I will be able to ask them my questions and that they will be there to generally reassure me. »
For his part, Jérémy Chartier will be participating in a very first competition since October 2023. Although he has no expectations related to his results, the 23-year-old athlete will want to support and supervise his young teammates as much as possible.
“It works out well in one sense with me coming back from injury, but even if I had a lot of pressure to get a good result, I would have wanted to be there for them. As I get older, I like being able to take on this role, being able to encourage the younger ones and answer their questions,” commented Chartier.
Before flying to Portugal, the two recruits participated in the Canadian Trampoline Championships which took place from June 6 to 9 in Gatineau. Adjemian admits that this competition was very important in his preparation, he who finished on the third step of the podium in the senior men’s category, behind Keegan Soehn and Rémi Aubin.
“It went really well, I tried a routine that was a little more difficult than usual. I gave it my all and I’m very happy with my performance. I had other small goals that I achieved, it was a great weekend,” commented the bronze medalist.
As for Mélina Corriveau, things did not go as she would have liked at the National Championships. The Quebecer ranked 12th after qualifying and was unable to secure her ticket to the final. She still draws something positive from her experience, ensuring that she is more motivated than ever for the future.
“It didn’t live up to my expectations, I know I’m capable of doing better. On the other hand, it allowed me to know what I need to work on in the coming weeks and I will be ready. It was nice to feel the support of the crowd here in Quebec,” concluded Corriveau.
Until the departure for Coimbra, the Quebec trampolinists will continue training at the Center Pierre-Charbonneau in Montreal, their temporary home unearthed by coach Karina Kosko since the closure of the Institut national du sport du Québec.