By Cara and Nuno Merino
Owners, Merino Trampoline Gymnastics
When most people think of gymnastics, they think of Suni Lee winning all around at the 2021 Olympic Games or Simon Biles’ amazing vault routines; however, most people are unaware that Trampoline Gymnastics is an Olympic Sport! Many assume gymnastics is for the young since they are used to seeing these young, little girls competing Artistic Gymnastics.
Would anyone expect a 40 year-old women competing Trampoline Gymnastics at a world level? Who would have thought that possible? But with trampoline gymnastics it is. Athletes can participate in competitive and recreational Trampoline Gymnastics well into adulthood.
What else makes Trampoline Gymnastics special?
Here is a little background surrounding Trampoline & Tumbling as a world sport. It is an official discipline of gymnastics under USA Gymnastics and The International Gymnastics Federation. Individual Trampoline athletes perform a 10-skill routine while judged on height (how high they jump), difficulty, execution and their ability to stay in the center of the trampoline. Individual Trampoline became an Olympic Sport at the 2000 Olympic Games.
For those who are looking for a fun, recreational fitness sport for their kids, this is the perfect place to start. Who doesn’t love jumping on trampolines! Gymnastics is such an important sport for students to gain lifelong lessons. Teaching students to set goals and helping them work to achieve them while working on strength, flexibility and balance helps students grow in coordination and body awareness. Respect for teammates, coaches and the equipment is part of each class-time as well as reminding students of the importance of rules and safety.
Merino Trampoline Gymnastics owner and Olympian Nuno Merino says, “What I love the most about Trampoline Gymnastics is that it is truly a sport for everyone. Tall, short, big, little, old or young: anyone can excel at and enjoy jumping trampoline.” Many students at MTGA started in the recreational classes to exercise and have fun, and have loved it so much that they have joined the competitive program!
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