Mathieu Turgeon won a surprise bronze medal in men's trampoline four years ago at the Sydney Olympics where the sport made its official Games debut. But Turgeon admits repeating that exploit is going to be the toughest challenge of his career.
"The field is much deeper and larger at the Athens Olympics than in Sydney," said Turgeon, who has struggled on the international scene since 2000. "I was the underdog in Sydney and I'll be the underdog again. It's a position I don't mind being in."
Turgeon is one of the bigger competitors in the sport and therefore has to gain more height when he executes his move. Sometimes it appears he is nearly hitting the gymnasium ceiling. He has struggled with back problems over the last year. He hurt himself during last summer's blackout and his training has been affected since then. But he said that won't stop him from executing some of the most difficult tricks in the world in Athens.
In 1990, Turgeon joined the Skyriders Club in Toronto and six years later won the world junior title. "He's a guy that will take risks, he's very energetic, very brave. That's what sets him apart," said Turgeon's coach Dave Ross.
