Find out how the trampoline bounced its way into American culture.
The origins of the trampoline can be traced to ancient civilizations like China, Iran and Egypt. The Inuit people in Alaska used walrus skin to launch each other in the air for games, rituals and scouting their surroundings. Similarly, the Persians are said to have used a type of trampoline made of stretched animal hides for tumbling and acrobatics. However, the modern trampoline only began to take shape in the early 20th century.
In 1934, two American gymnasts, George Nissen and Larry Griswold, created the first prototype in Nissen’s garage in Iowa. Inspired by trapeze artists falling into safety nets and their desire to improve their own training methods, they developed a piece of equipment composed of a canvas sheet stretched over a steel frame with coiled springs, which provided the continuous bounce necessary for gymnastics training. This revolutionized the world of gymnastics and acrobatics, offering athletes a safe and effective way to practice complex techniques.
Throughout the mid-20th century, trampolining gained popularity across a surprising range of industries. After the start of World War II, the U.S. military used the trampoline to teach pilots how to reorient themselves after difficult air maneuvers. During the space-race era, the trampoline was introduced to NASA for astronauts’ training. And in 1964, trampolining made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport in Tokyo, later becoming an official Olympic sport in 2000.
By the 1970s, trampolining made its way into American culture. Amusement parks filled with trampolines popped up across the country, giving children and adults the opportunity to soar. Manufacturers started making smaller, affordable trampolines marketed to the whole family.
Today, trampolining continues to evolve, with advancements in materials and safety features for the enjoyment of people worldwide. In an age marked by technological advancement and rapid change, the enduring appeal of the trampoline serves as a reminder of the joy and wonder found in the simple act of bouncing.
Love mid century cultural history? Read more about the first Airstream and the birth of camper trailers.
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