How did Trampoline Gymnastics become a sport?
Trampolining was invented in 1934 by George Nissen, an American gymnast, after observing circus acrobats bouncing on safety nets. He built the first prototype trampoline to recreate their acrobatics. Initially used as a piece of equipment to train pilots and athletes training for other acrobatic sports, the trampoline quickly became very popular as a sport in its own right.
What is the sport of Trampoline Gymnastics?
In short, it is one of the most thrilling, exhilarating and breath-taking sports around.
Trampoline gymnasts compete in one of four categories:
Individual Trampoline (TRA)
Synchronised Trampoline (SYN)
Double Mini-Trampoline (DMT)
Tumbling (TUM)
What do Trampoline Gymnasts do in each of the sports four categories?
Individual Trampoline – athletes perform 10 acrobatic skills in sequence and without stops while jumping on a trampoline. The performance of the most complex movements, without deviations from the centre of the bed and at the greatest possible height is the main objective of a trampoline routine. Skills range from simple jumps and somersaults in the straight, pike, or tuck position to more complex combinations of forward and backward somersaults, with or without twists. Routines must not include hesitation or intermediate straight bounces between any two elements.
Synchronised Trampoline – athletes perform the same skills displayed in Individual Trampoline but must perform these in perfect synchronisation with their partner on an adjacent trampoline. Partners must start facing the same direction. However, it is not required that they twist in the same direction and if the gymnasts fall out of synch their synchronisation score will be lower.
Double Mini-Trampoline – described as a combination of athletics, trampolining and gymnastics athletes sprint down a carpeted run-up and hurdle onto the apparatus before performing complex somersaulting skills with the same precision required on the trampoline. The only difference is that gymnasts must land on a trampoline bed less than a quarter the size of a trampoline, before performing a dismount on to a landing mat.
Tumbling – the rhythm of Tumbling has been likened to that of a snare-drum. It comprises a quick, crisp string of eight tumbling elements. Gymnasts sprint down a track to gather momentum before launching themselves into tumbling sequences finishing with a grand finale off the track onto the landing area, usually the most difficult and spectacular element of all.
Learning to Fly
Elite trampoline gymnasts certainly live up to the Olympic motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius – “Faster, Higher, Stronger”. They are literally flying solo for the seconds they are in the air displaying courage and elegance. This sport requires precise technique and perfect body control, leaving with very little margin for error.
World class trampoline gymnasts typically train for 20 to 40 hours per week, with their schedules varying depending on the time of year and their individual needs and goals.
Moves to look out:
The ‘Miller’ – a move comprising of two somersaults and three twists on the trampoline
Triple somersaults – performed by both Individual, Synchronised and Double Mini-Trampoline gymnasts
The rare quadruple somersault dismount – executed on the Double Mini-Trampoline
Spectacular triple twisting final elements – displayed by Tumbling athletes
See for yourself
Over 1000 of the world’s best gymnasts will compete in Birmingham across eight thrilling days of competition in an event that includes the World Age Group Competitions.
Don’t miss your chance to seem them live. Secure your place now from £20 for adults and £10 for under 16’s and concessions.
