Hemel Hempstead's Alex Manton, 17, won the senior men's synchronised trampoline British title with Aidan Taylor, scoring 43.16 at Telford on 3 to 4 October.

A 17-year-old from Hemel Hempstead is the new Senior British Champion in synchronised trampolining.

Alex Manton, who trains with Ministry of Air in the town, won the Senior Men’s Synchronised Trampoline final at the 2026 British Trampoline, Tumbling & DMT Championships alongside his partner Aidan Taylor of Central Galaxy Coventry Trampoline Club. The pair scored 43.16 to finish top of the podium, the club says.

The championships were held at Telford International Centre on 3 and 4 October.

A title won in step

In synchronised trampolining two gymnasts perform the same routine at the same time on trampolines set side by side. Timing, control and consistency all count towards the score, so a pair is judged as much on how closely they match each other as on the difficulty of what they do.

Alex is studying for his A-levels at Kings Langley School, and Ministry of Air says he has fitted many hours of training around his studies as he has worked his way up through competitive trampolining. The club calls the title “a major milestone” in his career.

Two young trampolinists in grey club tops holding gold medals and glass trophies, standing between two coaches in front of a Union Jack backdrop with the British Gymnastics logo
Alex Manton and Aidan Taylor with their coaches in front of the British Gymnastics backdrop at Telford. Photo: supplied by Ministry of Air

What the coach said

Graham Ferguson Williams, who coaches Alex and is listed on the club’s website as its head coach and a founder, said:

“We are absolutely delighted for Alex. Becoming a British Champion is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the hard work, commitment and determination he has shown throughout his training.

“Alex should be incredibly proud of what he has achieved. It’s fantastic to see a local gymnast from Hemel Hempstead competing at the very highest level and coming away as a British Champion.”

The club says it is now looking forward to supporting Alex as he builds on the result.

The club behind him

Ministry of Air was first registered in 1999 at Welwyn Garden City as a father-and-son coaching partnership between Terry and Graham, starting out with two second-hand trampolines, according to its own history. It moved via Aldenham and Bricket Wood to Hemel Hempstead in 2007 and now trains at Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre on Park Road.

The club says it has a long record of developing competitive trampolinists in the town and of supporting gymnasts at regional and national level. Its published 2027 calendar puts the next British Series finals back at Telford on 2 and 3 October 2027.

What it means for you

If you have a child who wants to try competitive trampolining, Ministry of Air runs trials for its squads, with the timetable and monthly fees published on its website. For more ideas for the family locally, see our guide to things to do in Hemel Hempstead.

Know a Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted or Tring sports result we should be covering? Email hello@hemelhempsteadlive.co.uk.