Flight Club: The High-Flying World of Olympic Trampoline
Imagine launching yourself into the air so high you could look down on a two-story house. For a few breathtaking seconds, you’re weightless, suspended between the ground and the ceiling, twisting and flipping with the grace of a dancer and the precision of a pilot. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality for athletes in Trampoline Gymnastics, one of the most thrilling and gravity-defying sports at the Olympic Games. It’s a spectacular display where gymnasts can soar over 8 metres (26 feet) in the air, performing a dizzying series of somersaults and twists before landing on a target the size of a small dining table. But how do they fly so high? What separates a good routine from a gold-medal-winning one? This guide will break down everything you need to know about this incredible sport, from its surprising origins to the complex rules that govern the quest for Olympic glory.