Cao Yunzhu (third, right), a trampolinist from Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Cao Yunzhu, a talented trampolinist from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, made history by securing victory at the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Trampoline World Cup held in Cottbus, Germany.

Teaming up with Zhang Xinxin from Shanxi province, Cao won the championship title in the women's synchronized trampoline event with a score of 48.88 points.

The triumph represents the first instance of a Zhejiang athlete claiming the top position in the event, also marking the inaugural gold medal for a Zhejiang athlete in a Trampoline World Cup contest.

Born in 2003, Cao began her trampoline journey in September 2014 at the Zhenhai Amateur Trampoline Skills School, an institution that also serves as a trampoline training hub for the Ningbo Sports School. Subsequently, in September 2015, she began training with the Zhejiang Provincial Trampoline Team, and by February 2018, she had ascended to the national team.

In recent years, Cao has consistently delivered stellar performances in both domestic and international competitions. Notably, at the 2022 FIG Trampoline World Championships, Cao, alongside her national teammates, including Fan Xinyi, clinched the gold medal in the women's team event. At the competition's 2023 edition, Cao built on her successes and once again secured victory in the same event.

Looking ahead, Cao is gearing up to intensify her training regimen in preparation for the National Trampoline Championships scheduled for April, which also serves as selection trials for the upcoming Paris Olympics.