Bradleigh Miller

By Marla Dalrymple
Staff Writer

Olympic hopeful Bradleigh Miller placed second at the USA Gymnastics Trampoline State Competition held in Greensboro last month. The 13-year-old Macon County resident is training for a Regional Competition that will take place in Florida this weekend, May 15 and 16.

“I am excited to compete,” said Bradleigh, who trains 20 hours a week at her family’s gym. “I wouldn’t want to go without it.”

As a Mother’s Day gift to her mom, Bradleigh says she hopes to win Allstar status at the Regional Competition. Mom, Mary Miller, coaches and homeschools Bradleigh.

Bradleigh Miller practices in preparation for this weekend’s Regional Competition.

Miller said that Bradleigh’s hard work and dedication paid off as she took the “Silver on her 10 skill routine that included multiple double somersaults and twisting skills. Because of her scores, Bradleigh has earned the privilege of competing at Nationals in June in California. She will also compete at Regionals in Florida in May- her goal Regional Allstar. This is a privilege that the top athlete will achieve if they place first in their level. With this title she will represent the entire Region at Nationals — a huge honor.” /

Bradleigh said she is hoping for the Olympics one day and a spot on the national team. Next year, she can train as a junior elite trampolinist. Bradleigh has been training at the sport for four years and packs each routine with 10 skills.

Bradleigh competes at level 10 on the trampoline. According to Miller, there are only around five le vel 10 trampolinists in the junior elite division.

Bradleigh hopes to compete in trampoline events in the Olympics one day.

Miller said that Bradleigh is well sought after by elite coaches. “You don’t find her level and dedication very often,” said Miller. The Olympics, she said, is a massive goal and will take much hard work and dedication.

There is a lot of pressure at regional and national competitions, said Miller, but Bradleigh enjoys what she does. Her favorite trampoline skills are twisting skills. “Anything twisting I like,” said Bradleigh.

The family travels to an average of nine competitions a year. “We spend a lot of time together,” said Miller. When home, Bradleigh trains in a special trampoline gym. Miller offers lessons at the gym as well.

Those with weight problems or other disabilities may enjoy jumping on a trampoline, said Miller. “There are skills for everyone at every level.”

Trampoline skills may also help in other sports, such as cheerleading or diving. “It gives you the strength and coordination to do so many other things,” said Miller.

Judges look for clean, straight lines on the trampoline, said Miller, who also judges at some of the competitions. She learned from elite coaches when the family lived in Florida.

The family’s gym, UpWard Air, features special competition trampolines. The eurotramp and aussie bed are much different than a regular “black bed” trampoline and provide much more spring per step.

Miller said she spends a lot of time teaching control to beginners and emphasizes safety while learning skills.

In addition to dreams of competing in the Olympics, Bradleigh has dreams of being a pastry chef. She said she loves to cook and bake. “She has tapped into her Polish heritage,” said father, Craig. “She has become a good perogie maker.”

But, most of all, dad said that Bradleigh has the “inner drive to keep going and perfecting her skills.”

For more information about UpWard Air or to follow Bradleigh’s journey, visit www.bmiller2.com.