Help Jaydon chase world dream

Talented teenager Jaydon Paddock, who is from Wednesbury, is one of the most promising trumblers in the country.

Until last month, the 17-year-old had always competed at junior level.

But at the Trampoline and Tumbling British Championships held in Birmingham, the youngster wowed the home crowd by clinching a bronze medal on his senior debut.

Now though, the Wood Green Academy school pupil is set to compete in the Junior World Championship's behind in Russia next month – with British Gymnastics believing that is the next best step for his development.

But unlike senior athletes, junior athletes have to self-fund – with Jaydon now appealing for help to get him on the plane to St Petersburg.

"Jaydon did fantastically well at the British Championships last month," his mum Jo said.

"It was his first taste of competing in the seniors, it was right on his doorstep and he ended up sharing the podium with gymnasts who he aspired to be like growing up.

"Now British Gymnastics want him to compete in the junior World Championships in Russia.

"Initially, Jaydon was a little disappointed because he's had that taste of senior competition now.

"But this is what they believe is best for his development long-term and that is all that matters. For him, it's all about the long game.

"Senior athletes are all fully funded but junior athletes don't get anything.

"So we're doing everything we can to raise the money to get him to Russia. His school are helping and we have applied for athletes funding. But it's £1,800 which is a lot of money."

Jaydon is now getting set to attend a number of training camps run by British Gymnastics.

The teenager won gold at the European Junior Championships and Mrs Paddock said he is now fully focused on trying to clinch first place in Russia.

"His ambition has always been to been to win the junior European championship and then the junior worlds," she added.

"If he can do it he has ticked another box and it will put him in great shape for future competitions."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Jaydon can email his dad at