| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1946}}
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1946}}
| birth_place = [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]], US
| birth_place = [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]], US
| nickname = Super Human Athlete
| hometown =
| hometown =
| residence =
| residence =
}}
}}
”’David Arthur Jacobs”'<ref name=”arthur”>{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2008 |title=ME says Jacobs shot himself twice; no ruling on other victim |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3429424 |website=espn.com |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref> (born in 1946<ref name=”trampchamp”>{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1967 |title=City-Born Tramp Champ On Television Saturday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/240896665/ |newspaper=[[The Sheboygan Press]] |volume=LX |number=124 |page=22 |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>) is an American [[Trampolining|trampoline]] and [[artistic gymnastics|artistic gymnast]]. He is a three-time [[Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships]] gold medalist and the NCAA men’s gymnastics champion on the floor exercise (1967) and trampoline (1967 and 1969). He is widely recognized for his contributions to competitive trampoline and for helping popularize the sport in the United States.
”’David Arthur Jacobs”'<ref name=”arthur”>{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2008 |title=ME says Jacobs shot himself twice; no ruling on other victim |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3429424 |website=espn.com |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref> (born in 1946<ref name=”trampchamp”>{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1967 |title=City-Born Tramp Champ On Television Saturday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/240896665/ |newspaper=[[The Sheboygan Press]] |volume=LX |number=124 |page=22 |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>) is an American [[Trampolining|trampoline]] and [[artistic gymnastics|artistic gymnast]]. He is a three-time [[Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships]] gold medalist and the NCAA men’s gymnastics champion on the floor exercise (1967) and trampoline (1967 and 1969).
He was inducted into the World Acrobatics Society (WAS) Hall of Fame in 2009 and later served as the president from 2015 to 2019.<ref name=”stage”>{{cite web |url=https://stagelync.com/news/world-acrobatics-society-inducts-class-of-2024-into-hall-of-fame |title=World Acrobatics Society Inducts Class of 2024 into Hall of Fame |date=September 16, 2024 |website=StageLync press release |access-date=October 14, 2024}}</ref> In September 2024, Jacobs received the Charlie Pond Service Award from the WAS.<ref name=”stage”/>
He was inducted into the World Acrobatics Society (WAS) Hall of Fame in 2009 and later served as the president from 2015 to 2019.<ref name=”stage”>{{cite web |url=https://stagelync.com/news/world-acrobatics-society-inducts-class-of-2024-into-hall-of-fame |title=World Acrobatics Society Inducts Class of 2024 into Hall of Fame |date=September 16, 2024 |website=StageLync press release |access-date=October 14, 2024}}</ref>
==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Jacobs was born in 1946 in [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]], to Careta ({{nee|Aschenbach}}).<ref name=”trampchamp”/> The family moved to [[Amarillo, Texas]], in 1957, and moved back to Sheboygan in 1965.<ref name=”trampchamp”/> In 1962, while a [[sophomore]] in high school, he joined Nard’s trampoline club in Texas.<ref name=”late”/><ref name=SheboyganNov1967>{{cite news |title=City-Born Tramp Star Holds All Major Titles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71924861/city-born-tramp-star-holds-all-major/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |work=The Sheboygan Press |date=November 11, 1967 |pages=16}}</ref>
Jacobs was born in 1946 in [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]], to Careta ({{nee|Aschenbach}}).<ref name=”trampchamp”/> The family moved to [[Amarillo, Texas]], in 1957, and moved back to Sheboygan in 1965.<ref name=”trampchamp”/> In 1962 while a [[sophomore]] in high school, he joined Nard’s trampoline club in Texas.<ref name=”late”/><ref name=SheboyganNov1967>{{cite news |title=City-Born Tramp Star Holds All Major Titles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71924861/city-born-tramp-star-holds-all-major/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |work=The Sheboygan Press |date=November 11, 1967 |pages=16}}</ref>
Jacobs attended the [[University of Michigan]], where he trained under top collegiate coaches and developed the foundation that would make him a world-class athlete. His training emphasized technical precision, acrobatic creativity, and rigorous physical conditioning.
==Gymnastics career==
==Gymnastics career==
In 1964, Jacobs competed at the [[Amateur Athletic Union]] (AAU) championships and finished third. During this period, he began a long-term working relationship with coach Eddie Cole, who helped refine his trampoline technique.<ref name=SheboyganNov1967/>
In 1964, competed at the [[Amateur Athletic Union]] (AAU) championships and finished third. , he began a working relationship with Eddie Cole, trampoline .<ref name=>
At the [[1966 Trampoline World Championships]] (TWC), he won the synchronized trampoline title with fellow Michigan student Wayne Miller.<ref name=ShreveportApr1966>{{cite news |title=U.S. Retains Tumbling Title |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71924301/us-retains-tumbling-title/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |work=The Shreveport Journal |date=April 30, 1966 |pages=5}}</ref> Jacobs went on to win consecutive individual gold medals at the 1967 London and 1968 Amersfoort World Championships.
==Contributions to trampoline gymnastics==
Jacobs is credited with introducing advanced tumbling techniques and synchronized routines that influenced the development of competitive trampoline in the U.S. He later served as a mentor and judge in national competitions.
==Later career==
Following his competitive career, Jacobs continued to be involved in gymnastics and acrobatics organizations. He served as president of the World Acrobatics Society (WAS) from 2015 to 2019 and received the Charlie Pond Service Award in 2024.
==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Jacobs is the father of [[David Jacobs (steroid dealer)|David Jacobs]], who was involved in one of the largest steroid distribution operations in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Trahan |first1=Jason |last2=Jacobson |first2=Gary |date=April 25, 2008 |title=Plano resident’s steroid distribution ring was one of the largest in U.S. |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/plano/stories/042508dnmetsteroids.1bf9157.html |website=dallasnews.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506093331/https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/plano/stories/042508dnmetsteroids.1bf9157.html |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Assael |first=Shaun |date=June 6, 2008 |title=THE DAVID JACOBS STORY |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3428654 |website=espn.com |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref> Authorities later determined his son was responsible for a [[murder–suicide]] in 2008.<ref name=”arthur”/><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 10, 2010 |title=Family of slain woman sues Chinese steroid suppliers |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2010/06/10/family-of-slain-woman-sues-chinese-steroid-suppliers/ |website=dallasnews.com |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>
Jacobs the father of [[David Jacobs (steroid dealer)|David Jacobs]], who one of the largest steroid operations in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Trahan |first1=Jason |last2=Jacobson |first2=Gary |date=April 25, 2008 |title=Plano resident’s steroid distribution ring was one of the largest in U.S. |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/plano/stories/042508dnmetsteroids.1bf9157.html |website=dallasnews.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506093331/https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/plano/stories/042508dnmetsteroids.1bf9157.html |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Assael |first=Shaun |date=June 6, 2008 |title=THE DAVID JACOBS STORY |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3428654 |website=espn.com |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref> Authorities determined son was a [[murder–suicide]] 2008.<ref name=”arthur”/><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 10, 2010 |title=Family of slain woman sues Chinese steroid suppliers |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2010/06/10/family-of-slain-woman-sues-chinese-steroid-suppliers/ |website=dallasnews.com |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>
Jacobs has largely remained private outside of gymnastics circles, focusing on mentorship, sport promotion, and public speaking.
==Legacy==
David Jacobs is remembered for his competitive achievements and his influence on trampoline technique and growth of the sport in the United States. His innovative routines and dedication to athlete development have left a lasting impact.
==References==
==References==
American trampoline gymnast (born 1946)
David Arthur Jacobs[2] (born in 1946[3]) is an American trampoline and artistic gymnast. He is a three-time Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships gold medalist and the NCAA men’s gymnastics champion on the floor exercise (1967) and trampoline (1967 and 1969).
He was inducted into the World Acrobatics Society (WAS) Hall of Fame in 2009 and later served as the president from 2015 to 2019.[4] In September 2024, Jacobs received the Charlie Pond Service Award from the WAS.[4]
Early life and education
[edit]
Jacobs was born in 1946 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Careta (née Aschenbach).[3] The family moved to Amarillo, Texas, in 1957, and moved back to Sheboygan in 1965.[3] In 1962 while a sophomore in high school, he joined Nard’s trampoline club in Texas.[1][5] Jacobs was a student at the University of Michigan.
In 1964, he competed at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships and finished third. While there, he began a working relationship with Eddie Cole.[5] At the 1966 Trampoline World Championships (TWC), he won the synchronized trampoline title with fellow Michigan student Wayne Miller.[6]
While Jacobs was at the University of Michigan, he competed for the Michigan Wolverines men’s gymnastics team from 1967 to 1969.[7] He was the NCAA champion in the floor exercise and trampoline at the 1967 NCAA gymnastics championships.[8][9] He won a further NCAA title for trampoline in 1969 en route to being a finalist for the Nissen-Emery Award.[7][10]
Jacobs was the father of David Jacobs, who created one of the largest steroid and growth hormone operations in the United States and led to “…one of the largest trafficking investigations of its kind in the nation’s history…”[11][12] Authorities determined Jacobs’ son was the perpetrator of a murder–suicide discovered on June 5, 2008.[2][13]
- ^ a b Walters, Dora (December 28, 1968). “Late Start Overcome By Trampoline Champ”. St. Petersburg Times. Vol. 85, no. 157. p. 3C. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ a b “ME says Jacobs shot himself twice; no ruling on other victim”. espn.com. June 6, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c “City-Born Tramp Champ On Television Saturday”. The Sheboygan Press. Vol. LX, no. 124. May 12, 1967. p. 22. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ a b “World Acrobatics Society Inducts Class of 2024 into Hall of Fame”. StageLync press release. September 16, 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ a b “City-Born Tramp Star Holds All Major Titles”. The Sheboygan Press. November 11, 1967. p. 16. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ “U.S. Retains Tumbling Title”. The Shreveport Journal. April 30, 1966. p. 5. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ a b “2025 Michigan Men’s Gymnastics Record Book” (PDF). mgoblue.com. 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ “Michigan Ace Takes Titles”. The Grand Rapids Press. Vol. 75, no. 204. April 3, 1967. p. 40. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ “NATIONAL COLLEGIATE MEN’S GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS” (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ “Nissen Emery Finalists”. collegegym.org. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ Trahan, Jason; Jacobson, Gary (April 25, 2008). “Plano resident’s steroid distribution ring was one of the largest in U.S.” dallasnews.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ Assael, Shaun (June 6, 2008). “THE DAVID JACOBS STORY”. espn.com. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ “Family of slain woman sues Chinese steroid suppliers”. dallasnews.com. June 10, 2010. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
