Olympic bronze medalist Dylan Schmidt has claimed his first world trampoline world title, joining fellow Kiwi Bronwyn Dibb on the podium at Sofia, Bulgaria.
Schmidt, 25, was one of the surprise successes at last year's Tokyo Olympics and has continued his emergence as one of the world's top exponents, with victory over Frenchman Allan Morante and Japanese Ishikawa Yamato.
The Aucklander qualified fifth from a field of 99 in the men's individual contest, but emerged at the head of the pack with a score of 60.640 at his second attempt and underlined his superiority with 60.720 in the final - two points clear of his nearest rival.
Schmidt recently featured on the Celebrity Treasure Island reality TV show, but showed no ill effects from his training absence.
"I'm proud of my performance and that's always what I set out to do," said Schmidt. "I've had disappointments this year, and it feels great to have learnt from them and performed when it mattered.
"I'm absolutely stoked and will be celebrating this win, but this gold is just a step in the direction of gold in Paris [2024 Olympics]."
His success follows that of teammate Dibb, who took out the women's double mini tramp crown 24 hours earlier, heading off Aussie rival Cheyanna Robinson.
Dibb, 25, is also a Canterbury representative rugby player with Black Ferns aspirations.
"To become a world champion and win the gold medal is a dream come true, and makes all the hard work, time, effort and sacrifices all worth it," she said.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to get out on the world stage and represent my country, and for everyone who has supported me on my journey to this day."
