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Did you know that there are trampoline gymnastics events in the Olympics? [1] It might sound crazy, but it is true! Trampoline gym has been an event at the Olympic games since 2000. The goal of this sport is to do flips and tricks on a small trampoline for points. Trampoline Gymnastics combines a variety of skills that will make anyone who watches it want to go out and buy a trampoline. If you’re interested in learning more about this Olympic event, keep reading for 11 things you should know about Trampoline Gymnastics.
What is Trampoline Gymnastics?
Trampoline gymnastics are a new and growing Olympic sport. Trampolining can be done with or without the safety net, but if you choose to use one, make sure it’s properly installed. The object of this event is to complete tricks by flipping both forwards and backwards, as well as twisting, spinning and other aerial moves.[2] To advance to the Olympic level you need to complete a series of tricks while airborne with no more than four contacts on the trampoline.
The safety netting will not stop you from falling off, but it does lessen the impact of a fall. Remember that your surface needs to be clean so there are no dirt or debris which can put you at risk when practicing these skills without safety netting in place.
When did Trampoline gymnastics become an Olympic event?
Trampoline gymnastics is an Olympic event in which athletes jump on a trampoline and perform skills while attempting to land cleanly. The sport first became part of the Olympics in 2000 [3] when it was introduced as a demonstration event at Sydney, Australia with two competitions for both men’s and women’s events. Since then, it has been a full event in the Olympics and has been contested at every Summer Olympics since.
The rules are as follows: Jumpers must use a trampoline, and include elements from each of these categories: tumbling (series of jumps or flips), twisting skills, tricks (aerial acrobatics performed with straight legs such as handstands on an object or bouncing up to touch the ceiling), synchronized trampoline dancing, and aerial skills (aerial acrobatics performed with straight legs). Pyramids, or group formation jumping where one jumper goes feet first off an object held by another person while team members provide balancing support are also allowed.
Who is the world champion in trampoline gymnastics?
Trampoline gymnastics is an event which features men’s and women’s competitions in the Olympics. The world champion in this sport is Dina Asher-Smith who won a gold medal at Rio 2016 as well as silver medals from Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020. She has also been World Champion on three occasions.
The men’s champion in trampoline gymnastics is Jonathan Horton. He won gold medals from 2008 and 2012 Olympics, as well as a silver medal in 2000.He competed on three World Championships winning two golds and one bronze.
In the most recent Tokyo 2020 Olympic games, the men’s gold medalist was Belarus’ I. Litvinovich and in the women’s gold medalist was China’s X.Y. Zhu.
Understanding Trampoline Gymnastics scoring
The scoring is based on execution, difficulty and artistry. The judges can deduct points for falls or other mistakes that negatively affect performance and dismounts are scored by the degree of difficulty they provide (i.e., a straight jump off the trampoline to land feet first without falling scores lower than landing with one-foot tucked behind the other).
How to learn trampoline gymnastics?
If you’re interested in getting into competitive events like these, then it is highly advisable that you have a coach with experience teaching gymnastics skills and knowledge about how to teach trampoline gymnastics.
Once you have your coach, then the rest will be up to them on how they want to train you. They may work with your skills and abilities in order for you to develop a routine that works well with what type of apparatus is used at competitions and other events as well. For instance, if you are working on developing a routine that will be performed in the air, then they may have you spend more time doing high jumping exercises and other tumbling skills.
If you’re interested in learning how to do this amazing sport at home with your own equipment (and without an expensive coach), it is advised that beginners start out by using a trampoline at a lower height. It will take some time for you to get used to the rhythm and timing of these skills, so it’s best that you do not have too much space with which to bounce around because this could lead to injuries or other accidents.
If you want more help finding out what type of equipment would be best for your home gymnastics routine, then check out our page on the best trampolines.
If watching trampoline gymnastics at Tokyo 2020 and reading about it in this article has made you want to buy a trampoline, you are not alone! This is not only a very fun and exciting sport, but it is also one that will help you stay in shape and improve your health.
If you want some helpful advice on buying a new trampoline, review our expert-written buyer’s guide on the best trampolines.
You can also check out our article about trampolines for adults and the top trampoline brands on the market.
Happy Trampolining!