The Somersfield Star Squad jumped onto the world stage at the World Jump Rope Championships in Orlando, Florida yesterday.The Championships took place in the UCF Arena.Competing against teams including the Bouncing Bulldogs, Cary Superskippers Tri-Force Jump Rope and the Comet Skippers, Bermuda’s Somersfield Academy students competed against the elite.The Somersfield Star Squad are all novice jumpers, because they have not competed on a national or world stage more than twice. Novices are not allowed to participate in the grand championships, only the top two in the remainder age categories.Yusef, 12, explained nerves played a small part in his experience.“I had a lot of nerves at first, a lot of sweat and tears preparing for this event, so I’m just really proud of all of us. It was a good experience. I was so amazed from the stuff I saw, the competition was amazing. I saw everything from cartwheels to double backflips — I was awestruck.”Being one-and-done isn’t an option for Yusef. In his mind there are plenty skills he’d like to master.“It was all good, the experience went very smoothly,” he said. “I know a lot of us want to work on some more freestyle. We’re definitely coming back next year and hoping to do better.”Yusef gave some advice for those who aren’t sure about getting involved in jump rope.“I just wanted to try something different, so I decided to go to one practice about five months ago. Just try it and you’ll fall in love with it instantly, like I did.”Toby Gibbons, 10, was also nervous about his first event, then excitement took over while witnessing the talent surrounding him.“The competition was really good and I’m loving this!” he said. “I’m really interested in this and meeting different athletes at different levels, it was amazing.”Hasna Turner, 13, was also proud of her score and has already set her goals higher for next year’s competition.“The one moment that actually scared me was all the gymnastics involved like backflips and hand springs, I was shocked. A lot of people just think that jump rope is jumping but there’s so much more to it than that.”The students were accompanied by Jump 2B Fit director and head coach, Sionna Barton, along with Somersfield Academy MYP gym teacher and coach Irene Pimental.Pimental placed fourth, while Barton placed second in the 15 and over speed event.Ms Barton explained how jump rope is integrated with the students’ education.“It’s part of our PE curriculum and we’re trying to bring up our fitness levels, and got an interest in talent of jump roping. They are doing well, having interest in it.”Ms Pimental explained the importance of the results: “Bermuda hs now been put on the map in the world of jump rope and will now be recognised as a force to be reckoned with.”