Gymnastics – Trampoline
Trampoline is one of the three disciplines of the Olympic sport of Gymnastics.
Did you know?
Key facts
Venue: North Greenwich Arena
Dates: Friday 3 – Saturday 4 August
Gold medals up for grabs: 2
Athletes: 32 (16 men, 16 women)
Trampoline: a history of the sport
The first modern trampoline was built in 1934 at the University of Iowa to help train tumblers and gymnasts. It was also used as a tool to help athletes in other sports improve their acrobatic skills.
People enjoyed the sensation so much, they began to trampoline for sheer fun, and it became popular in its own right.
For more information on the history of the games visit the IOC website.
Trampoline at the Olympic Games
Trampoline is the newest Gymnastics discipline at the Games, making its debut at Sydney 2000.
How the competition runs
Gymnasts compete on a elastic ‘bed’ that can launch them 10m in the air. They perform a series of 10 judged elements each containing multiple somersaults and twists. Individual competitions are held for both men and women.
Jargon buster
- Adolph: A front somersault with 3½ twists in Trampoline.
- Barani: A forward somersault with a half-twist.
- Quadriffis: Any quadruple somersault with a twist.
- Rudolph: A front somersault with 1½ twists; also known as a ‘Rudy’.
