Road to Athens: Kirsten Lawton

By Luke Surry

I'll be doing what I can this year to raise the profile of the sport... it's a golden opportunity for me to get trampolining in the media Kirsten Lawton

For many armchair sports fans, trampolining will be low down the list of viewing priorities when the Olympics hit our screens this summer.

But Britain's Kirsten Lawton is planning to change that.

And she draws her inspiration from the ultimate Olympian - rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave.

"I feel very strongly that our sport doesn't get the media coverage it actually deserves," the 23-year-old told BBC Sport.

"The only reason rowing is in the public eye now is that Steve won five Olympic medals.

"I know at the beginning of his career he didn't get any recognition, so for him to go on to do what he did was absolutely amazing."

Trampolining has always been part of Lawton's life. Her mother, Sue got her started at an early age and has coached her throughout her career.

"It's different from most coach/performer relationships," she admitted. "But it's definitely had its benefits over the years and I know she supports me 100%."

While she enjoys a close working relationship with her mother, Lawton feels it imperative that the roles of coach and parent do not collide.

I'd obviously like to make a final and everybody wants to win a medal Kirsten Lawton

"When we're at competitions and in training, I'm a performer. We separate the mother/daughter relationship from the coach/performer relationship," she said.

"That's absolutely necessary for me to focus - and she's been fantastic at doing that."

A place at the Olympics is testament to the success of their partnership, but Lawton is reluctant to put herself under further pressure in Athens.

"I'd obviously like to make a final and everybody wants to win a medal," she said.

"It is within the realms of possibility but I'm not thinking in terms of positioning. I just want to do the best I can performance-wise and then I'll get the result I want."

Trampolinists enjoy a friendly rivalry - and Lawton puts that down to a shared desire to boost the popularity of the sport.

Kirsten Lawton Born: 17/11/80 Club: Edgbarrow Sporting idols: Denise Lewis, Sir Steve Redgrave

"Surprisingly, there's less competition now we've made it to the Olympics. Everyone's happy to be there and it's actually quite friendly," she said.

"We're all very good friends. We've been on the international circuit for years and it's like a little family, really."

Lawton will travel to Athens as an ambassador for her sport - and she is determined to make the most of her moment on the spotlight.

"I'll be doing what I can this year to raise the profile of the sport. It's a golden opportunity for me to get trampolining in the media," she said.

Academy: Watch Lawton's trampolining masterclass