This is Al Fong: A Legendary Coach Shaping the Future of Gymnastics with Bagjump

When you talk about American gymnastics greatness, Al Fong is a name that immediately stands out. As the founder and head coach of GAGE (Great American Gymnastics Express), Fong has built one of the most respected programs in the world and has produced Olympians in every USA Olympic Trials since 2000. His influence spans several top athletes, from Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool in 2004 to Leanne Wong, Kara Eaker, and Evie Lowe in 2024.

Now, Al Fong and his wife, Armine Barutyan-Fong, are looking toward 2028 with their current U.S. National Team gymnasts. This time, that vision includes integrating Bagjump Airbags into their training system.

A Philosophy Based on Health

For decades, GAGE has stood apart not just for its success but for its culture.
“GAGE has a stellar reputation for training the highest level of gymnastics using unique training tools and stations in a soft, warm, and fuzzy environment,” says Fong. “No taped ankles, wrist supports, back braces, etc.”

It’s a philosophy built on longevity, safety, and development. “Keeping gymnasts healthy in body and mind is our number one priority,” Fong told us. “That’s why so many young high-level gymnasts join my team from the USA, France, Spain, the Philippines, and Mexico.”

Airbags as Confidence Builders

For Fong, the benefits of gymnastics airbags were instantly clear.
“Airbags look and feel super safe for any gymnast trying to learn difficult skills,” he explains. “Fear issues become a minor concern.”

By reducing the mental barriers that often come with learning difficult movements, airbags give gymnasts the confidence to attempt and master skills faster. It’s feedback we have received several times from coaches all over the world, and Fong agrees with that.
“While it’s always important to systematically build skills with smart progressions, gymnasts feel empowered to speed up the process safely with airbags,” he adds.

At his facilities, he has already experienced the advantages of training with a Bagjump airbag and the development of athletes who are just starting their careers.
“Yes! Even with average gymnasts, I noticed shorter timelines,” Fong notes.

Safety, Progression, and Athlete Retention

At the elite level, training is about more than skill development. It’s about protecting athletes from injury and burnout.
“Used properly with smart progressions. No injuries, no healing downtime, no mental setbacks,” Fong told us. “A healthy gymnast stays in the sport because she can!”

Airbags can give any type of gymnast a new level of freedom to train at a high level while staying safer. Bagjump’s goal is that gymnasts focus on execution rather than fear. Fong also agrees with how our airbags fit into his philosophy of training: “Airbags enhance what we already do.”

Parents, Athletes, and Coaches Alike Love the Change

Feedback from the GAGE community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Gymnasts, parents, and coaches love it!” says Fong. “It’s very clean. No more dealing with foam breakdown or fluffing foam pits.”

The upgrade has made a visible difference not only in performance but also in maintenance and hygiene, which is a major plus for facilities that demand the highest standards.

How Airbags Are Changing Coaching

While Fong’s core methods haven’t changed, Bagjump has refined his team’s ability to coach smarter and safer.
“Eliminating fear is everything when raising an athlete,” he says. “We decide when to transition from airbag to hard landings with common sense, gut feeling, and athlete readiness.”

This intuitive approach, combined with decades of experience, ensures that gymnasts develop confidence gradually but solidly. No wonder GAGE’s athletes consistently perform at the highest level.

The Bagjump Advantage

Al Fong shared his secret recipe when it comes to Bagjump products. Currently, GAGE operates a 7×14 Bagjump system inside their Bump City Gym, and it’s already in high demand.
“My GAGE coaches are fighting for scheduling time to bring the airbag over for uphill vault, uphill tumble, and uphill beam dismounts!” Fong mentioned.

The airbag’s versatility allows multiple disciplines to benefit from the same piece of equipment. We have seen athletes train in almost every gymnastics discipline with a Bagjump.

Looking ahead, Fong is already planning to expand his use of Bagjump in the years to come.
“I plan to convert my team gym from foam to air pits in the future,” he says. “My business goal is to open a new Bump City Gym within five years. I already know the air pit is the only choice.”

A Shared Vision for the Future of Gymnastics

For a coach who has spent his career perfecting the art of developing champions, Bagjump represents more than equipment. It’s a tool that reinforces his lifelong mission: to build healthy, confident, world-class athletes.
“I highly encourage airbags,” says Fong. “They’re safe, efficient, and an incredible addition to any gymnastics program.”

By integrating airbag systems into elite-level training, Al Fong and GAGE are once again setting a new standard. This time, it prioritizes innovation, athlete welfare, and long-term sustainability.