WORLD AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS (WAGC) AS A DEVELOPMENT PILLAR FOR TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS: ANALYSING NATIONAL FEDERATIONS’ RESULTS BETWEEN 1999 AND 2019

Abstract

Trampoline Gymnastics is a consolidated sport within the gymnastics family. Since theInternational Trampoline Federation (FIT) and the International Gymnastics Federation(FIG) merged in 1999, the growth and expansion of Trampoline Gymnastics have remainedconstant. In this process, the role played by the World Age Group Competitions (WAGC) isworth to be mentioned, as this event has been established as the main entrance pathway toany gymnast or national federation willing to reach the international elite level. The firstedition of these competitions dates back to 1973 in London, and the 27th took place in Tokyoin November 2019. This article aims to explain the key role played by WAGC in the evolutionand consolidation of this Olympic sport, by conducting an in-depth analysis of theparticipation data and medal distribution during the last fourteen editions, all the ones takingplace under the FIG umbrella. In order to complete a broader picture of these competitions, adetailed analysis in terms of editions, gender and disciplines is presented. Results return aclear dominance of the Russian Federation national team and a group of internationalcontenders that built up their strong presence at the international scene on top of a constantand well-planned strategy in WAGC. These events have achieved to become part of thesports’ internal culture and the education system has incorporated them into all therecommended procedures at the international level.