History — Trampoline And Tumbling Express

The History of Trampoline

Trampoline, an Olympic discipline since the 2000 Olympic Games, symbolizes freedom, flying, and space. Multiple somersaults and twists are performed in the air at an average height of 25-30 feet and require precise technique and perfect body control.

It is believed centuries ago, the Eskimos tossed one another into the air using Walrus skin which originated the first type of trampolining. Although the origins of trampolining are uncertain, it can be traced back to archaeological drawings in ancient China, Egypt, and Persia. While this theory may or may not be true, it is certain that the start of the 20th century used a “bouncing bed” to amuse audiences in comedy routines.

There are two versions of how the word trampoline became associated to the sport. Du Trampolin, a French circus artist, used a bouncing bed covered with bedclothes that acrobats used to perform during their shows. He saw the possibility of using the trapeze safety net as a form of propulsion and landing device. He began experimenting with different systems of suspension, and eventually reduced the net to a practical size for separate performances. Another version of the word’s origin is a Spanish word meaning diving board, “El trampolin.”

The real revolution of trampoline came when George Nissen and Larry Griswold, attendants of the University of Iowa, created the first modern trampoline sometime during 1934. While Nissen was a diving and gymnastics competitor, Griswold was a tumbler on the gymnastics team. The two men experimented by using pieces canvas and stretching it out to an angle iron frame by means of coiled springs. This device was first used to train tumblers, but soon became popular in its own right. In 1936 the two men built the first trampoline in a car garage. Soon after, the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company was created and began making trampolines commercially in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1942.

The industry began growing rapidly during World War II when trampoline became an integral part of a physical training program used to train pilots and navigators. This innovative training program game them practice in orientation that had never been possible before and was one of twelve activities selected by the Navy to add the aims and purposes of training for Naval Aviation. The trampoline embodied in the program would contribute to the mental and physical conditioning for an aviation cadet. The objective of the trampoline during training was to reduce the fear of falling, being upside down, revolving in midair, learn balance and body control while in the air, and develop a oneness with the plane. Later on, space agencies such as the Soviets and Americans used trampoline during preparation training before going into outer space.

After the war, George Nissen invented the portable trampoline. He facilitated trampolining as a competitive event. In 1946, Skippy Browning became the first trampoline champion at the first ever official trampoline competition held in Dallas, TX. Over the next decade, trampoline vastly expanded across the United States and was included as an event in gymnastics competitions by both the AAU and NCAA.

During the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia-1956, George Nissen met Kurt Baechler and the two worked together to introduce trampoline in Europe. A year later in 1957, George Nissen and Kurt Baechler have their first presentation at the famous Sportschool in Kiln-Mungersdorf. Over the next three weeks demonstrations were held over Germany and Switzerland two to three times each day of the week. Kurt Baechler’s home of Gumligen, Switzerland became the headquarters of the famous “Nissen Trampoline Corp. of Switzerland.” From then on, trampoline spread over Europe and became popular in multiple countries all over the world.

In 1964, the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was formed, and presently, there are 42 member federations. In the same year, the first Trampoline World Championships were held in London, Great Britain. The first man and woman crowned World Champion were the respective Dan Millman and Judy Wills Cline of the United States. From 1964 through 1974 the USA athletes dominated the world of trampoline. They won 14 World titles over that decade.

During this time frame, the Soviet Union developed trampoline as a sport. In 1976, the USSR team competed for the first time in World Championships and won all events. From 1976 until the late 90s, Russians took their place at the top winning numerous world titles, and still have a prominent reputation in the world of trampoline.

January 1, 1999, International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was merged with International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). This was a big step to trampoline becoming an Olympic Sport. Finally, in the year 2000 in Sydney, Australia at the XXVII Summer Olympiad, trampoline became an Olympic sport. Irina Karavaeva and Alexander Moskalenko of Russia were crowned the first Olympic Champions.

Today, trampoline has spread to over 50 different countries in every continent and has multiple international competitions such as: Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, World Games, World Championships, World Cup Series, and Continental Championships and Games.

For nearly 70 years, trampoline has put itself as the forefront of the gymnastics world. Trampoline has also become a popular recreational sport and pastime for fun, health and coordination as well as increased the profile of allure high level competition. Because of the efforts of gymnasts, pilots, navigators, and astronauts, the trampoline has proved to be a valuable commodity for the human body. Physical education instructors and fitness experts are using trampolines as a part of overall physical health and fitness programs for all people to enjoy the benefits of rebounding exercise.

A HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF TRAMPOLINE

• 1934- The history of trampoline begins. • 1936- George Nissen designed the first modern trampoline.• 1946- The first official trampoline competitions were held.• 1957- Kurt Bachler opened the first trampoline headquarters in Europe.• 1964- International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was founded.• 1964- The first World Championships were held.• 1966- The first year Syncronized Trampoline was included in World Championships.• 1969- The first European Championships were held.• 1981- The first World Games were held.• 1982- Trampoline team competitions were included in World Championships.• 1993- Trampoline World Cup Series was organized.• 1999- Trampoline became part of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).• 2000- The first time Olympic Games hosted trampoline. (only 24 athletes)• 2001- The Good Will Games were held (first and last time).• 2004- 32 athletes competed at the Olympic Games.• 2010- The first time Youth Olympic Games hosted trampoline.