Pre-meet interview with last-minute American Cup competitor, Jackson Payne of Canada

Gymnastike caught up with Jackson Payne of Canada the day before the American Cup.  Jackson learned only days before the meet that he would be competing in his first American Cup as a replacement for France's Cyril Tommasone.  Prior to this, Jackson expected his next meet to be at the end of March.  He finished in 7th place and accomplished his goal of staying safe.  
 

Gymnastike:  Jackson, you were a last-minute addition to this meet.  What are your goals tomorrow?

Jackson:  My goals are, first of all, to stay safe.  I wasn’t super prepared for this competition but I’m really excited to be here.  I know this is a great competition to go to.  I was really honored to be invited.  My goals are to go out there and hit my routines that I have prepared – well, shortly prepared – for this and to get as much out of it as possible.  . . .  This will be the biggest crowd I’ve ever competed in and to really learn and get a comfortable feeling for these new routines that I’m preparing for.

Gymnastike:  What was it like preparing in such a short time.  How did you do that?

Jackson:  I’m not sure quite yet.  I think it was maybe a good thing because mentally, I haven’t really totally harnessed it yet.  Coming here in this amazing building and this amazing city is just pretty new to me and I’m hoping to perform the best I can.

Gymnastike:   You are the Canadian national champion, and you’ve been to worlds and you went to the test event.  What do those accomplishments do for you going into the Olympic year?

Jackson:  I think they give me personally a little bit of confidence to know I am at that caliber and I should be competing at that height.  .  . .  I have to keep up my own requirements, my own self goals, and I think if I do that, I’ll have a great chance at London.

Gymnastike:  At the test event, Canada just missed sending a team, but you can send one person.  What do you see your prospects as being that person?

Jackson:  Well, I’m hoping they’re as best as possible.  I’ve been working really hard.  Unfortunately, we can’t go as a team.  That was really heartbreaking.  We missed it by one spot.  It’ll be hard to go as your own athlete without a team.  I’m hoping my prospects are pretty good.  I’m just doing everything I can and this is a good stepping stone toward that. 

Gymnastike:  Thanks.  Good luck.

Jackson:  Thanks.