Definition of trampoline

The word "trampoline" is derived from two Greek words, "trampē" meaning "to jump" and "olinē" meaning "bed". The modern-day trampoline, as we know it, was invented in the 1930s by George Nissen, an American gymnast. Nissen, in collaboration with his coach Larry Griswold, created a simple device to help gymnasts train by cushioning their falls. The original trampoline was essentially a large canvas mat stretched over a wooden frame filled with a coiled spring unit, typically made of bleached pine cones wrapped in burlap and covered in rubber. The name "trampoline," coined by Griswold, was chosen in honor of the Greek roots of the words "tramp" and "trampoline bed." Trampoline as a standalone sport gained popularity in the 1960s, with the first trampoline competitions being organized in the United States by the National Trampoline League. The International Federation of Trampoline Gymnastics, founded in 1964, officially recognized trampoline as a competitive sport and it has been a part of international sports competitions like the Olympic Games since 2000. Today, trampolining has evolved with advancements in materials and technology leading to modern trampolines now being made from vegetable-tanned leather, memory foam, and modern spring materials to achieve better jumping performance. The sport has gained worldwide recognition with its popularity spreading throughout different cultures, resulting in the development of distinctive variations of trampoline like synchronized trampoline and double-mini trampoline.