Other names: COCKBURN, Karen

Born: 2 October 1980

Birthplace: Toronto (Canada)

Nationality: Canada

Sport: Gymnastics

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Sydney 2000

Athens 2004

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Silver: 1

Bronze: 1

First trampolinist to earn two medals

Karen Cockburn began her athletic pursuits as a diver and used the trampoline as training for her dives. After trying artistic gymnastics, she switched to competitive trampolining. In 1995 she injured her knee so badly that she needed reconstructive surgery. She returned to competition after a year, but she had to wear a knee brace until 1999. When trampolining made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games, Cockburn was one of the twelve women to take part. Not considered a medal favourite, she performed well and earned an unexpected bronze medal. Moving up in the world rankings, she won the 2003 world championships and established herself as the woman to beat at the 2004 Olympics. She placed only fifth in the qualifying round. In the final she attempted a routine with a higher degree of difficulty than any of other competitors and won the silver medal behind Anna Dogonadze of Germany.