1974 - Trampoline's First "Road to Rio" - - How the Trampoline was Introduced to Brazil

Prior to the sport of trampoline being accepted as an Olympic event (which happened in the year 2000), George Nissen had dedicated great effort towards introducing the trampoline to as many countries as possible.

In 1974, Brazil was no exception to his quest.  The 7^th World Trampoline Championships were being held in South Africa that year and in March, while on their way to the big world competition Nissen arranged for a group of trampoline athletes to make a stop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During their visit to Rio, George, his wife Annie and daughter Dian, along with Ron Munn, Ed Cole and Robbie Bollinger spent the week with the Nissen Brazilian representative providing trampoline clinics and demonstrations to an enthusiastic group of Brazil’s future trampoline athletes.

The Nissen Trampoline Team arrives in Rio
L-R: Ron Munn, George Nissen, Robbie Bollinger, Ed Cole, Dian and Annie Nissen

Dian, Robbie and Ed take a break surrounded by their enthusiastic future trampolinists.

Ed and Ron at the beach with Robbie and Dian 

The Americans team was treated to the wonderful Brazilian hospitality

When not conducting clinics, Nissen's Brazilian representative took Ed, Robbie
and Dian to Rio's world famous Copacabana Beach

Brazilian hospitality was always shared

A good time was had by all!

42 years later, the trampoline is not only an Olympic event in Rio, but Brazil can also boast having an athlete competing in the men's individual event!

George Nissen's original idea of introducing the trampoline worldwide has certainly paid off!