Greg Roe, a former Team Canada trampoline athlete, is a trailblazer in the world of acrobatics and the creator of Freestyle Trampoline. Widely recognized as one of the first freestyle trampoline influencer, Roe has revolutionized the sport by blending creativity and innovation with his daring approach to performance. As a multiple national champion in gymnastics and trampoline, he used his extensive experience to develop a discipline that empowers athletes to express themselves while redefining the traditional structure of competitive acrobatics. Freestyle Trampoline, often referred to as “The Sport Born on Instagram” by the Los Angeles Times, emphasizes athlete-driven training and celebrates individuality, breaking away from the rigid, coach centered models that have historically dominated the sport.
Roe is a Canadian Entrepreneur, Biomechanics Coach, MC, Podcaster and former athlete who is also the co-founder of the Freestyle Trampoline Association and works on many acrobatic based projects around the world. Greg’s passion for Freestyle Trampoline stems from his desire to make acrobatics more inclusive, accessible, and exciting for athletes worldwide. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to create a global platform where athletes of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors—can showcase their creativity. Through his efforts, Greg has helped foster a global freestyle trampoline community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.
His Early Years
BBorn in Moscow in 1990, Greg Roe spent the first five years of his life in a Russian orphanage before being adopted by a Canadian family. Maureen and Randy Roe, from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, welcomed Greg into their home, where he grew up alongside their son, Douglas. Embracing his new Canadian culture, Greg chose to keep his Russian name as a middle name, becoming Gregory Vladimir Roe.
The challenges of life in the orphanage left a lasting impact on Greg’s mindset and outlook on the world. Adapting to life in Canada wasn’t easy—he carried a rough, survival-oriented mentality that often made it difficult to fit in. Frequently disciplined at school and prone to physical altercations, Greg struggled to channel his energy productively. Diagnosed with ADHD, he found it challenging to focus and was even expelled from his first gymnastics class by his coach who told him he "would never succeed in the industry."
Despite these obstacles, Greg’s ADHD became a source of creativity and determination. He discovered an incredible ability to quickly master anything he set his mind to, using his innate curiosity and energy to fuel his progress. Sport became his outlet and his passion, setting the foundation for what would eventually become his lifelong career in acrobatics and Freestyle Trampoline.
Transition to Gymnastics and Trampoline
After his first gym closed when Greg Roe was 11, he transitioned to a new facility and began to focus on his training, earning recognition as a top athlete and winning medals at competitions. When that gym also closed, Greg joined another program and continued refining his skills, ultimately winning gold on the parallel bars at the Canadian Nationals in 2007 at the Level 6 Open National Level.
Despite his success, Greg found the rigid structure of competitive gymnastics stifling and decided to shift to trampoline in 2008, leveraging his gymnastics background. Initially training recreationally at a trampoline facility, Greg quickly adapted to the sport, winning Canadian Nationals at the Junior National Level in his first year of competition. By 2010, he was competing internationally, representing Team Canada in World Cup events. In 2013, he became the Senior National Synchronized Champion and earned accolades such as the Highest Difficulty Award at the Aalsmeer Flower Cup in 2011.
Rise in Trampoline and Transition to Freestyle
While Greg excelled on the world stage, his true passion lay in innovation—developing new skills and pushing boundaries in coaching and training philosophies, often defying industry norms. His independent nature and creative mindset occasionally put him at odds with his federation and teammates. Despite this, Greg began gaining global recognition through his social media presence. A pivotal moment came when a trampoline video, filmed by renowned YouTuber Devin Supertramp, brought him international attention. It marked a breakthrough for trampoline athletes on digital platforms and positioned Greg as a social media influencer in the acrobatics world.
In 2012, Greg partnered with sports marketing professional Trish McGeer to launch GRT, a platform that became instrumental in promoting freestyle trampoline. Together, they developed the Unified Theory, a step-by-step training method designed to bridge the gap between competitive athletes and backyard hobbyists. Through online tutorials, global clinics, and events, GRT has inspired thousands of athletes to embrace trampoline as both a sport and an art form. Greg’s mission has always been to expand the reach of Freestyle Trampoline, turning it into a mainstream action sport and providing athletes with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
In 2013, Greg was removed from Team Canada due to his unconventional approach, but he saw this as an opportunity rather than a setback. Determined to reshape the sport, he launched a year long world-wide coaching tour with his business partner Trish, where he developed and shaped what was to become his degree-by-degree training method, helping hundreds of athletes from around the globe.
He then went on to co-found the Freestyle Trampoline Association in 2017, after creating the world's first garden trampoline competition with Trish, called the GTGames. This new community and sport prioritized creativity, innovation, and athlete-driven training where many of the athletes came from Instagram, leading to the slogan - "The Sport Born On Instagram" ~ L.A Magazine. This bold move set the foundation for Greg’s future as a leader and pioneer in the global acrobatics community.
in 2018 Roe created the very first Indonesian Trampoline Team for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. He continued to remotely train the team through online videos and webinars as they developed. He has also worked with many of the Nitro Circus athletes who tour the world performing amazing stunts and utilize his 'out of the box' thinking to help with their extreme stunts, which is also his specialty.
Greg’s influence extends far beyond the trampoline. He is an acrobatic specialist, kinesiologist, and certified Level 2 coach who integrates his knowledge of biomechanics, psychology, and kinesiology into his training methods. His unique approach combines technical precision with a focus on mental and physical preparation, helping athletes achieve unparalleled aerial awareness and creativity.
Greg’s dedication to Freestyle Trampoline culminated in the creation of the Freestyle Trampoline World Championships, which debuted in London in 2022. Over the past three years, the event has grown into a global sensation, with the 2024 World Championships in Barcelona attracting athletes from 18 countries and hundreds of spectators. These events have become a platform to showcase the sport’s potential while uniting the community under a shared passion for creativity and athleticism.
In addition to his work as a coach, Greg is an entertainer, educator, and entrepreneur. He has showcased his skills on America’s Got Talent (2015), Discovery Channel, Daily Planet, and Das Supertalent (Germany), captivating global audiences with his daring stunts. He also co-hosts The Roe Show, a podcast where he interviews Olympians, industry leaders, and influencers, offering insights into the world of acrobatics and action sports.
Through Freestyle Trampoline, Greg Roe has not only redefined a sport but has created a movement—a space where athletes can challenge the status quo, express themselves, and build a global community rooted in creativity and innovation.
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