A Circus Spark in 1930
In 1930, 16-year-old George Nissen from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, attended a circus and watched aerialists land on safety nets. Inspired by their soft bounces, Nissen envisioned a device that could allow continuous bouncing. Using canvas and wood, he built his first prototype, even dismantling his own bed in pursuit of his dream.
A Patented Success
By 1945, after years of trial and error, Nissen patented his “tumbling device,” later trademarked as the “Trampoline,” from the Spanish word el trampolín (diving board). Together with his gymnastics coach Larry Griswald, he founded the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company in 1942.
From Military Training to Space Exploration
During World War II, the U.S. military used trampolines to train pilots for air maneuvers. Later, NASA incorporated it into astronaut training, and Nissen even co-created a trampoline game called Spaceball with astronaut Scott Carpenter.
A Global Phenomenon
Nissen tirelessly promoted trampolining with daring stunts, including bouncing atop an Egyptian pyramid. In 2000, trampolining became an Olympic event, fulfilling his lifelong dream. George Nissen passed away in 2010, leaving behind a sport enjoyed worldwide.
In 1930, 16-year-old George Nissen from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, attended a circus and watched aerialists land on safety nets. Inspired by their soft bounces, Nissen envisioned a device that could allow continuous bouncing. Using canvas and wood, he built his first prototype, even… pic.twitter.com/wiGXDLQbvi
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