How Trampolining Can Be A Fun But Serious Sport
The sports of trampolining and tumbling are as old as man,
a reflection of man's desire to defy the ever-pervading
presence of gravity.
A number of cultures have devised apparatus to send an
athlete into the air, i.e., an outstretched animal skin
being used to throw up, and safely receive, the descending
performer. Circuses have used a number of devices to show
off aerial and floor somersault activity.
The way these activities are now practiced reflect the
intrusion, delightful in this instance, of modern
technology. Modern trampolining has only emerged in the
last 40-50 years from the prototype apparatus built by
George Nissen back in his garage in 1936.
The Air Force, and later the Space Agencies were not slow
to employ trampolines with their pilots and astronauts.
Medical authorities and those working with handicapped
persons have found many exciting benefits from being able
to use a trampoline. At the recreational level,
trampolining has an immediate appeal, especially for the
young people
.
Every era produces at least one step forward in the
sophistication of a trampoline machine used. The most
modern ones are capable of projecting an athlete to such a
height that the top stars can touch 10m-high ceilings and
perform repetition triple somersaults with ease.
Competitive activity commenced in the US at the conclusion
of World War II. The activity spread to Europe in the
1950's and display teams took the activity to all
continents in the late 1950's and early 1960's, when
many
national federations were formed.
In 1964, the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was
formed with seven founder member federations. This number
has since swollen to 42.
Championship activity has developed and grown continuously
year after year. Annual World Championships were held from
1964, though since 1968, they have been held every other
year, with European Championships, started in 1969, and Pan
Pacific Championships in 1981, occurring the alternative
years.
European Youth Championships have been held every other
year since 1972, and the introduction of the World Cup
event in 1993 has seen a tremendous interest in the sport,
with the television companies giving live coverage to most
events throughout the 1993-94 series. Trampolining and
Tumbling have been World Games sports since 1981.
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About the Author
Jeb Taylor is a fitness guru. He works out on all exercise
equipment he thinks will help him. Along with bikes and
jogging, Jeb loves bouncing on a trampoline as a fun way to
fitness.
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