(Image: UGC)
Two Cleckheaton sisters are shining bright on the international stage.
Sophie and Jess Hutchinson are both talented trampolinists for their country, with 14-year-old Sophie starring for Great Britain and heading out to the World Championships in China next month.
Jess, who is three years younger, has just made her first appearance for England.
The pair are regulars at the sharp end of trampoline and DMT (Double Mini Trampoline) competitions.
Proud mum Kat Hutchinson told the T&A: “Sophie’s been training since the age of five and was first selected for Great Britain at 10.
“She’s been on the DMT and trampoline squad since she was 11, which is when she represented England at the Frivolten Cup.
“Sophie has been selected for trampoline and DMT for the last two world championships, one of only two girls who has.
“Getting chosen for two disciplines is rare, as it’s very hard to train to the required standard for both, but we’re looking to raise £2,800 to get Sophie out to China now.
Sophie Hutchinson competing in Pamplona at the World Championships last year. (Image: UGC)
“Sophie recently became national age champion for DMT in the 13-14 years category, while she won team gold at the World Cup in Coimbra last year.
“She trains at Propulsion Trampoline Club in Birkenhead now, three or four days a week.
“She’s struggled with injury sadly, so it’s been a tough year, but she’s managed to get back to fitness now ready for the worlds.
As for 11-year-old Jess, her mum beamed: “Last week was Jess’s first international competition.
Jess Hutchinson is making her first tentative steps with England. (Image: UGC)
“She represented England at the Loulé Cup in the Under-13 section and came 41st out of 101 competitors, being one of youngest in that category.
“She has made it to English finals on trampoline and DMT and national age finals in trampoline this year.
“Last year, Jess got a bronze in the British qualifiers on trampoline and silver at the English qualifiers in trampolining.
“At the English finals on trampoline in the age 10 category last year, Jess got a bronze medal.”