Claire Wright is a World and European trampoline champion and represented Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She is now a member of the Cirque du Soleil team performing in Orlando, Florida and attended the Preparatory and Senior schools 1986-1996.

Q. What are your happiest memories of the Marist?
I had such a wonderful experience at the school and to this day have so many fond memories.  I started at the school at the age of eight.  At my previous school I had become a very timid little girl and my parents knew that they needed to find a school that would help me blossom.  With my mum and dad’s help I chose the Marist for a very good reason.  Upon visiting we found it to be a very warm and caring environment, a place where each child was made to feel special. 

Q. When did your interest in trampolining begin?
Well, both my parents are gymnastics coaches so I actually attended my first event at seven DAYS old when they took me to the Guinness School of Sport for one week at Crystal Palace!  Although I grew up being involved in gymnastics, I joined a trampoline club in 1988.  I just loved the experience so my passion for the sport grew from there.

Q. How many titles do you currently hold?
(Laughs) I’m thrilled to say that since the beginning of June, I now hold 51 World and European medals and trophies, in addition to a FIG (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) pin.

Q. How does it feel to have been selected for Team GB at the 2008 Olympics?
I’m so excited.  I couldn’t be happier at the thought of representing Great Britain in Beijing.  This is my first Olympics. I'm going for the wonderful experience of the Games and I will be aiming to complete my routines to the best of my abilities.

Q.  Do you think your school days may have helped you with your sporting career?
Absolutely.  I honestly don’t think I’d have made it this far without the support I received from the school. The staff and the pupils helped me through my trampolining career and made it possible for me to travel the world with my sport. 

Q. Do you have any advice for our current Marist sportswomen?
It was great to meet some of the girls recently and there are many very talented sportswomen here.  In addition to training hard and staying focused, I suppose I’d have to say follow your passion and do what you love.  My own personal motto is ‘Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take but moments that take your breath away.’