History of Trampoline

In brief: The trampoline was invented in 1934 by American gymnast George Nissen, who was looking for ways to entertain kids at summer camp. The U.S. Air Force used the bouncy apparatus during the Second World War to help pilots become accustomed to going airborne. Trampolining became an Olympic discipline for both men and women at the 2000 Sydney Summer Games.

How it works: The competition, for both men and women, is divided into a qualifying round and a final round. In qualification, gymnasts perform a compulsory and optional routine. The compulsory routine, as the name suggests, involves a set of skills in a mandatory order. The optional routine features any of 10 approved skills. The eight athletes with the top scores advance to the final round. Like figure skating, the event is judged. Points are awarded for execution, time of flight and degree of difficulty.

Parade of nations: China excels on the trampoline, winning seven of 12 medals on offer for both men and women at the last three Olympic Games. Dong Dong, 27, won men’s gold at the 2012 London Games and bronze at home in 2008.

Canada’s record: Canada is a dominant force on the trampoline. Karen Cockburn, of Toronto, served as Canada’s Olympic pioneer with bronze in 2000 at Sydney and silver medals in 2004 (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing). Jason Burnett, also of Toronto, won silver in Beijing. Rosie MacLennan, of King City, Ont., soared to gold at the 2012 London Games.

Prospects for Rio: Canada will be represented by MacLennan and Jason Burnett, who both train out of Skyriders Trampoline Palace in Richmond Hill, Ont. MacLennan, 27, is recovering from a concussion but still considered a medal favourite. Burnett, 29, is battling back from knee surgery and concedes he’s likely more of a long shot.

August 13, 2022