UCCTC interviewing its First Year Rep
Things that are particularly useful for trampolining are flexibility and a good sense of balance, however there is much more to the club than the competitive side. With the aid of stupid challenges at trainings, crazy social events and a lot of hard work behind the scenes a group of people binds together to form a committee. Our most recent addition is Tommy Mallen, the 7th member and the 2nd man on the team (sorry Tommy :)). He joined UCC Trampoline Club early in September last year and got very involved. He was very ambitious to learn the new sport but more importantly, he showed great interpersonal skills. It was enough for the club to unequivocally elect him the First Year Rep. We decided to introduce him to a broader audience by asking him a few questions and we wish to share the answers with you.
Tell us something about yourself, what course are you doing and why did you choose it?
I’m studying Law and French. I chose it because I’ve always loved French and languages in general, and law for a couple of reasons. Opportunities to travel, getting to help people, and just really interesting subject matter. I think. I don’t understand much of it yet.
What is the funniest thing about you or that happened to you?
I have absolutely no idea. Most recently I managed to lose a game of pool that was mine, I mean I’m not good at pool but this was my game. Picture the scene; the perfect shot. Black ball about an inch in front of the side pocket, the white ball perfectly in line with it for the win. I didn’t want to mess it up, so I hit the white ball so lightly it didn’t make it as far as the black ball and my housemate had the easiest shot I have ever seen. I wept.
Are you a physically active person? What got you interested in trampolining? Did you consider a different club as well?
I’ve always wanted to be able to do flips and stuff, and trampolining was obviously the best way to do so. It was one of those random signups at first, but then I decided that I actually wanted to go, so I did. I did, to a certain extent, but once I got into trampolining that was it, we train too much for another club.
Since the start of your trampolining journey you showed great interest in the Club, what did you hope to achieve as a First Year Rep? Is it a time consuming position?
Being the First Year Rep is delightful. I essentially make friends with everyone, and try to answer any questions they have around the club/ the trips we go on/ the competitions we enter.
Your best trampolining memory is…
Probably the first time I did a backflip. It was such a milestone for me. That or the ridiculous parties. Actually yeah, probably the ridiculous parties.
A lot of first-time people say that they never imagined that jumping up and down could pose any difficulty. Did the sport meet your expectations and were the progressions difficult for you?
It is SO much harder than you’d think it would be. Jumping up and down is actually scary at first, because you bounce so high, and the trampoline is so responsive to your balance. The progressions are really helpful, I mean some of them take a long time to master but to give an example; I was really nervous of the idea of flipping backwards, and the help and progressions from the coaches essentially had me doing it before I had a chance to be nervous.
What is your favourite trampolining move and what are you hoping to learn this semester?
My favourite move that I can do is either a turntable (bouncing on your belly, then spinning 360 degrees horizontally and landing on your front again) or a straight barani, because you feel like you’re flying.
Did you or do you still ever get frightened on the Olympic trampoline?
EVERY DAY, sometimes you bounce too high and think you’re going to die, or a move goes out of control and you find yourself flying onto someone else’s trampoline. Those moments are really common. But you never really get hurt, unless you really want to, so that’s reassuring…
What level are you competing at and could you describe what it means to be at that specific level?
I compete at advanced level. For me it’s really rewarding because I only started trampolining in September, having never done it before, and to have advanced to this level so fast is a really encouraging feeling.
Do you think that enough people in UCC are getting involved in Clubs and Societies, what would you say to them?
I think everyone’s involved in something, which is cool. I think it’s worth trying everything once though! *cough* come trampolining *cough*.
Hotpotch quick questions ;):
Amphibians or reptiles? Reptiles.
Favourite quote: There’s one in Italian that translates as “how beautiful is youth, though forever fleeting. Whoever wishes to be happy, let them: of tomorrow there is no certainty”. That’s some deep stuff right there.
Snow or sun? Sun.
Worst song: I have no idea, like none.
Rice or pasta? Rice!
Three items that you would bring to a deserted island: My guitar, a really big basket of food, and a book entitled “How to Build a Raft”.
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why? I’d love to give it a shot. I do a really good impression of myself.
How many snow shovels were sold in Ireland last year? I like ice cream.
Whether you want to try trampolining or take Tommy out for an ice-cream join us at one of our training sessions.