East Kilbride trampolininst, Pamela Clark was seventh in the 11-12 year old category of last weekend's World Championships in Quebec, but those close to her believe she should have finished higher.
She was a bit under marked so she didn't make it to the final, said her father, Robert. Her coach, Olivia Sorbie said, She should have been the winner; everyone thought she had won it. It was unlucky.
Still seventh place in the world, against 66 of the best of her age group, is a considerable achievement. And this was only the first world championship for Pamela, who turned 12 on the day she flew to Canada.
Later, in the 17-18 year old synchro event, with her East Kilbride Trampolining club mate Cara Jamieson, Pamela finished eighth. Both results are encouraging markers for her ultimate goal of competing in the London Olympics.
Olivia Sorbie first spotted Pamela as a toddler bouncing on a trampoline at a children's party. Seven years later she is British Champion at under 13 and under 11 age group. Her daring routine comprises 10 twist and somersault moves, most of them doubles. Her World Championships' repertoire contained more difficulty than any of her opponents.
I have coached Pamela since she was five, said Olivia, who also coaches Cara Jamieson. She's very powerful and has an incredible drive. She'll work forever, train constantly, and give up everything for training. She has always been like that.
Olivia and Pamela can now draw on a wider pool of expertise following the Scottish Institute of Sport's recent inclusion of gymnastics. As a member of the West of Scotland Institute of Sport she will have access to essential support services in sports medicine, sports science, strength and conditioning, and career and lifestyle guidance.