DORCHESTER gymnast Kirsty Way is returning home from the Trampoline World Championships as a world champion following an outstanding week in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Double mini trampoline (DMT) star Way, who trains at OLGA Poole, played a key role in the all-around team final to ensure Great Britain won gold.

Britain beat the USA on a tie-break, while Way also helped the women’s DMT team win world bronze. 

Chasing a third medal at the championships, in the individual competition, Way fell just short, qualifying for the final before finishing just outside the medals in fourth place.

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Speaking about the experience of her fifth senior worlds, Way said: “What a World Championships! It’s been very good and also a bit upsetting.

“Of course, there have been some highs. All-around team gold is one of the highlights of my career.

“Then having a couple of crashes in my individual performance and for the DMT team is upsetting but that’s sport and these things do happen. Overall, I’m very happy and proud.

“When the score in the all-around team final came through, I just leapt with joy.

“I think it might be the first time I’ve cried with happiness! It was incredible to see everyone’s hard work come together in that moment.”

Way was quick to praise those at her club for helping her through what has been her best year to date: “My club, OLGA Poole, is unbelievably supportive.

"It’s not just my DMT coach, Tom Holman, that’s helped me on this journey, but all of the trampoline, tumbling and artistic coaches that are behind it all.

“I wouldn’t be a world and European champion without all of their support and kind words. We’re one big family.”

Way also came agonisingly close to becoming an individual world medallist as she finished in fourth place in the final – her best result in a world final to date.

It was an historic World Championships for Great Britain as they secured their best-ever results, returning home with four gold, two silver and one bronze.

Sarah Powell, British Gymnastics Chief Executive, said: "It was a fantastic World Championships for the whole team and the perfect way to end what has been a great year for trampoline, tumbling and DMT, with success at both European and world level.

"Performances like these don't come without the hard work and dedication of the gymnasts, but also of the coaches, clubs and support staff that give them the opportunity to shine. Congratulations should go to all that have played their part."