Bermudian Ajani Robinson won gold in the Double Dutch Single Freestyle at the China Rope Skipping Association China Open in Shanghai.

Robinson, who represented the United States, beat more than 30 competitors to achieve top position in the DDSF.

The William Peace University student was part of a six-member US team at the event held from 24 to 29 December.

Other competitors were from the host nation, Australia, Austria, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Malaysia, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland and Thailand.

“I wouldn’t say it’s my best achievement but I’d say it’s definitely up there as one of the best,” Robinson told The Royal Gazette.

“We actually beat the Chinese team that placed second at the World Championships. So that was a very big surprise to take home the first place, especially since it was this particular group’s first time working together.

“It was a great group of guys and it was definitely a fun routine to be able to compete and put on that stage all the way in China,” he added.

“We had an awesome group with very clear heads, shared goals and understanding as veterans in the sport. Because of that we were able to put together a good routine.”

Robinson was fifth in the Double Dutch Speed Relay, sixth in the Single Rope Individual Freestyle and Single Rope Speed Relay, seventh in the Single Rope Pair Freestyle, eighth in the Double Dutch Speed Sprint and eleventh in the Single Rep Double Under.

The 21-year-old has been rope skipping for nine years. The gold he won in China was his fifth as he has won four others at the US national championships.

He hopes that his achievements in China can inspire other Bermudians to take the sport seriously.

“My success in China shows that you can go halfway across the world and still be the best at what you do,” Robinson said.

“Even if you don’t fully have everyone who’s in your corner understanding what you’re doing. The sport is not very big at all, it’s just a tiny sport.

“I would encourage other Bermudians to try it out. Because it’s so unique, it has so many different opportunities that everyone should have the chance to at least try it out.”

With the US nationals coming up in June, Robinson, who is in Bermuda on a break, is keeping himself in shape.

“I personally train every day, even if it’s just for a little bit,” he added.

“My typical training will range from either an hour to three hours, depending on the day and the circumstances and what’s allotted.”

“We actually beat the Chinese team that placed second at the World Championships. So that was a very big surprise to take home the first place, especially since it was this particular group’s first time working together.

“It was a great group of guys and it was definitely a fun routine to be able to compete and put on that stage all the way in China,” he added.

“We had an awesome group with very clear heads, shared goals and understanding as veterans in the sport. Because of that we were able to put together a good routine.”

Robinson was fifth in Double Dutch Speed Relay, sixth in Single Rope Individual Freestyle, achieved the same in Single Rope Speed Relay, seventh in Single Rope Pair Freestyle, eighth in Double Dutch Speed Sprint and eleventh in Single Rep Double Under.

The 21-year-old has been doing rope skipping for nine years. The gold he won in China was his fifth as he has won four others at the US national championships. He hopes that his achievements in China can inspire other Bermudians to take the sport seriously.

“My success in China shows that you can go halfway across the world and still be the best at what you do,” Robinson said.

“Even if you don’t fully have everyone who’s in your corner understanding what you’re doing. The sport is not very big at all, it’s just a tiny sport.

“I would encourage other Bermudians to try it out. Because it’s so unique, it has so many different opportunities that everyone should have the chance to at least try it out.”

With the US nationals coming up in June, Robinson, who is in Bermuda on a break, is keeping himself in shape.

“I personally train every day, even if it’s just for a little bit,” he added.

“My typical training will range from either an hour to three hours, depending on the day and the circumstances and what’s allotted.”