All About Olympic Trampoline - Flying high

Competitors must complete two routines - first voluntary and second voluntary - with each involving 10 separate elements. The second voluntary portion is where many of the gymnasts break out their high-flying tricks in order to increase the degree of difficulty and attempt to score higher marks.

The first voluntary routine must include 10 skills with a minimum of 540 degrees of somersault.

Since repeated skills are disallowed in the optional routine the degree of difficulty is not recorded if athletes perform them.

Trampolinists are required to end routines in an upright position with both feet on the trampoline bed and in control for at least three seconds. The trampolinist cannot touch any part of the bed, and a spotter cannot come into contact with the trampolinist or the routine is considered interrupted. Second attempts at routines are not permitted unless there is outside interference on the first try.

Scores are based on form, consistent height and control with each trampolinist starting with a theoretical perfect score of 10. Judges look for the elements to be executed correctly and with artistic flair. Legs should be kept together for all elements and the athlete should open all skills at 12 o'clock and hold the position until 3 o'clock without travelling outside the box on the trampoline bed.
Canada's Karen Cockburn receives her silver medal in women's trampoline at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Canada's Karen Cockburn receives her silver medal in women's trampoline at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Seven judges score each routine. Five of the judges evaluate the execution of the elements, and the other two rates the degree of difficulty of the skills.

Men and women will compete in the individual trampoline at the Olympics with each gender having 16 athletes. The number of athletes was increased to 16 in Athens 2004, up from 12 in Sydney 2000. Athletes qualify for Beijing based on results from the 2007 world championships, which took place in Quebec City last November. Countries aren't limited to one competitor per gender.

On the women's side, Canada, Russia and China each have two spots available, while Russia, China and Japan will each be sending two men. Canada will be sending one male competitor.

The qualification results are based on the aggregate of the two voluntary routines with the top eight competitors advancing. Trampolinists only perform one optional routine in the finals, with points starting back to zero.

A trampoline measures 5.05 metres long by 2.91m wide and stands 1.155m off the ground. A metal frame supports the trampoline bed, which is made of a nylon or string material about six millimetres thick. A safety mat is positioned at each end of the trampoline. The athletes do not wear any protective clothing and can compete in socks or gym shoes.

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