Ajani Robinson On Jump Rope Ambitions
Ajani Robinson dreams of representing Bermuda at the Olympic Games if jump rope is ever added to the programme.
Robinson, who has competed for the YMCA Super Skippers in North Carolina since 2023 after developing his skills with the Bermuda Bouncers, has competed in the United States in recent years and is a multiple national champion.
The super talented 22-year-old won the Male Single Rope Individual Freestyle Grand National title at the American Jump Rope National Championship in Buffalo, New York, last month.
He also impressed at the China Rope Skipping Association China Open in Shanghai last year, advancing through the opening rounds before earning high marks in the freestyle competition.
Robinson said Bermuda would be the only country he would represent at the Olympics.
“I’d only represent Bermuda at the Olympics – that’s non-negotiable,” Robinson told Bernews.
“I believe there has been talk about having the sport at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
“I’d like that to be my end goal and become Bermuda’s second gold medal winner if the sport gets there.”
Robinson began training with Bermuda Bouncers in 2016 after taking up jump rope recreationally at the age of 12.
He represented Bermuda at the World Jump Rope Federation Championships in Orlando, Florida, in 2018 and the World Jump Rope Championships in Norway in 2019.
“I used to be a couch potato before I started training with the Bermuda Bouncers,” he said.
Robinson said freestyle competition requires constant practice. He trains three times a week, with two optional sessions, as well as an hour each day.
“It’s harder to maintain freestyle skills,” said Robinson, who graduated last year from the University of North Carolina with a degree in pre-law and political science. “You need a lot more practice.”
He said the World Jump Rope Championships in Oslofjord, Norway, next summer could mark his final season in the sport.
Qualifying for the event will be held in Mason, Ohio, in February.
“It feels like a full-circle moment,” he said. “This will likely be my exit season; however, I’m leaving the door open for more [the Olympics].
“I’d like to finish competing against the best of the best and be at full capacity for the entire season.
“I’ve proven I can compete against the best in the world.”
