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Olympic Trampoline

travoholic | Aug 31, 2009 |

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Trampoline was introduced into the Olympic gymnastics program at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and has grown from 12 athletes that year to 16 at Beijing in 2008. While nowhere near as popular as artistic gymnastics, the Olympic trampoline event is growing in popularity and it is always entertaining to see people flying through the air.

In Olympic trampoline athletes perform two routines in the preliminary round and out of the original 16, only eight advance to the final round based on their aggregate score. In the second round, athletes are required to perform one voluntary routine and the top three scores are awarded the gold, silver and bronze medals. Men and women compete in separate competitions. China has dominated trampoline at the Olympics since Sydney, winning a total of 11 out of a possible 18 gold medals.

The trampoline is made from nylon and is held in place by a metal frame. They are 3 feet, 9 inches from the floor and is 16.5 feet long and 9.5 feet wide. Mats are placed on both sides in case the athletes fall from the trampoline and a spotter is often used for some of the more difficult maneuvers.

There are seven judges with two scoring the level of difficulty of the routine and five evaluating the execution of the elements. Judges are looking for good form and execution of the elements, meaning that feet and legs should be together and toes should be pointed. The body should be on one of three positions at all times: tucked, piked or straight. They are also looking for continuous movement and for the athlete to finish their routine with a landing where both feet are on the trampoline and they are standing upright.

The degree of difficulty is based on the number of flips and twists they can execute before returning to the mat. In general, the more flips and twists, the higher the degree of difficulty. None of the elements can be used more than once in a routine. The

The high-flying performances are amazing to watch and a real crowd pleaser. Tickets to trampoline at the Olympics are easier to come by that other gymnastics events but you will still be able to appreciate the level of athleticism, skill and daring that goes into the routines. If you have an opportunity to attend this event during the London 2012 Games, jump on it! No pun intended, of course.