The Diving Fool

Today I would like to share with you a little bit of history and a little bit of comedy.

Larry Griswold is considered the co-creator of the modern trampoline along with George Nissen. He was a college level gymnast who also enjoyed performing vaudeville... could there be a more delicious combination?

Aside from being an exceptional performer and innovator, he also made huge contributions to the world of acrobatics. Of course there was the creation of the trampoline (how awesome would it be to say that you helped invent the trampoline?) but Griswald also published Trampoline Tumbling, the first textbook ever written on the sport of trampoline! This 120 page book contained detailed diagrams showing each phase of the many skills that could be executed on the trampoline. I've seen books like that for hand-to-hand, tissu, trapeze and tumbling. And I can tell you, books like that are invaluable.

But to truly understand how incredible this man is, and just how much he contributed to the circus canon (pun not initially intended but then considered awesome), you need to see him perform. Skill, timing, precision,creativity, personality... it's all there. This man is one of the greats.

So without further ado, Larry Griswald: The Diving Fool!