What does the infobox image for gymnastics depict?

The infobox image shows Daniele Hypólito performing on the balance beam, illustrating a key event in women's artistic gymnastics.

What is the highest governing body for gymnastics worldwide?

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) serves as the highest governing body for gymnastics competitions across the globe, setting the rules and standards for international events.

Where and when did gymnastics first originate?

Gymnastics can be traced back to ancient Greece, specifically in the city-states of Sparta and Athens, where exercises were performed as part of physical training.

Is gymnastics considered a contact sport or a mixed-sex sport?

Gymnastics is not a contact sport, and it is not a mixed-sex sport; competitions are typically separated by gender.

What type of sport is gymnastics in terms of season, and what is its typical venue?

Gymnastics is classified as a summer sport, and its typical venue is a gymnasium.

What equipment is used in Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)?

In Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), the equipment used includes the floor, vault, uneven bars, and balance beam.

What equipment is used in Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)?

In Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), the equipment used includes the floor, vault, still rings, pommel horse, parallel bars, and horizontal bar.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'gymnastics'?

The word 'gymnastics' originates from the common Greek adjective 'gymnos,' meaning 'naked.' It is also linked to the related Greek verb 'gymnazo,' which means 'to train naked,' 'to train in gymnastic exercise,' or generally 'to train, to exercise.'

Why did ancient Greek athletes train and compete without clothing?

The Greek verb 'gymnazo,' from which 'gymnastics' is derived, means 'to train naked' because athletes in ancient times commonly exercised and competed without clothing.

How did the Roman conquest influence the practice of gymnastics?

After the Romans conquered Greece in 146 BC, gymnastics became more formalized and was primarily used to train men for warfare, shifting its focus from the broader physical fitness valued by the Greeks.

What was the approach to physical education in ancient Athens, particularly at the Palestra?

In ancient Athens, physical training was combined with the education of the mind at the Palestra, a physical education training center. This approach fostered a more aesthetic and individual form of gymnastics, moving away from strictness, discipline, record-breaking, and an sole emphasis on strength.

Who initiated the German gymnastics movement, and what apparatuses were invented as a result?

Friedrich Ludwig Jahn began the German gymnastics movement in Berlin in 1811. This movement led to the invention of several key apparatuses, including the parallel bars, rings, horizontal bar, pommel horse, and vault horse.

Who were the key figures in bringing gymnastics to the United States in the 1820s, and where were the first gymnasiums opened?

The first wave of gymnastics in the United States during the 1820s was brought by Germans Charles Beck and Charles Follen, along with American John Neal. Beck opened the first US gymnasium in 1825 at the Round Hill School in Northampton, Massachusetts, while Follen opened the first college gymnasium at Harvard University and the first public gymnasium in Boston in 1826. Neal was the first American to open a public gymnasium in Portland, Maine, in 1827.

When was the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) founded, and when was men's gymnastics first included in the modern Olympic Games?

The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) was founded in Liege in 1881. Men's gymnastics competition was popular enough by the end of the nineteenth century to be included in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

What types of exercises were part of gymnastics competitions before the early 1950s?

Before the early 1950s, national and international gymnastics competitions featured a diverse range of exercises, such as synchronized team floor calisthenics, rope climbing, high jumping, running, and horizontal ladder.

When did women begin to organize and participate in gymnastics events, and when was their first Olympic competition?

Women began organizing and participating in gymnastics events during the 1920s. The first women's Olympic competition, which was limited to synchronized calisthenics and track and field, took place in Amsterdam in 1928.

What significant changes occurred in Olympic gymnastics by 1954?

By 1954, the apparatuses and events for both men and women in the Olympic Games were standardized into a modern format, and a uniform grading structure, including a point system from 1 to 15, was established.

What is the current scoring system for Artistic Gymnastics, introduced in 2006?

The current scoring system for Artistic Gymnastics, implemented in 2006, consists of two separate scores: the A Score (or D score) for difficulty and the B Score (or E Score) for execution, which are added together to produce the final score. This is known as 'open-end' scoring because there is no theoretical maximum for the difficulty score.

How is the Difficulty Score (D score) determined in artistic gymnastics?

The Difficulty Score (D score) in artistic gymnastics is derived from the eight highest-scoring elements in a routine (excluding Vault) and points awarded for composition requirements. For Vault, a specific difficulty score is assigned by the FIG. This score may be lower than intended if a gymnast does not perform or complete all skills, or if connections between skills are missed.

What does the Execution Score (E Score) represent in artistic gymnastics?

The Execution Score (E Score) in artistic gymnastics reflects how well the skills are performed, starting at 10 points with deductions taken for any execution mistakes.

Which gymnasts are recognized for bringing global popularity to artistic gymnastics?

The artistry and grace of gymnasts Nadia Comăneci and Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut are credited with giving artistic gymnastics global popularity.

What are the six competitive events for men in artistic gymnastics?

In artistic gymnastics, men compete on six events: floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar.

What are the four competitive events for women in artistic gymnastics?

In artistic gymnastics, women compete on four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise.

Describe the vault event in women's artistic gymnastics, including the apparatus change.

In the vault event, gymnasts sprint down a 25-meter runway, take off from a vault board onto a vaulting table (formerly a vaulting horse), momentarily land inverted on their hands, and then propel themselves off for a two-footed landing. The traditional vaulting horse was replaced in 2001 with a more stable, wider, and longer vaulting table, approximately 1 meter in length and width, to enhance safety. A common round-off entry vault in higher levels is called a Yurchenko.

What are the key features of the uneven bars apparatus and how have routines evolved on it?

The uneven bars consist of two parallel horizontal bars set at different heights, made of fiberglass covered in wood laminate. Historically, the bars were closer together, but they have been moved further apart to allow gymnasts to perform complex swinging, circling, transitional, and release moves that pass over, under, and between the bars, with elite movements requiring passage through a handstand.

What aids do gymnasts use on the uneven bars, and what is their purpose?

Gymnasts often use a springboard or small mat to mount the uneven bars. They also use chalk (magnesium carbonate) to absorb moisture and reduce friction, preventing hand rips, and grips (leather strips with finger holes) to protect their hands and improve their hold on the bar.

What are the dimensions and characteristics of the balance beam?

The balance beam is a padded apparatus that is 125 centimeters (4 feet 1 inch) above the ground, 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) long, and 10.16 centimeters (4.00 inches) wide. Its height can also be adjusted.

Describe the floor exercise event for women in artistic gymnastics.

The floor exercise for women is performed on a carpeted 12-meter by 12-meter spring floor, which consists of hard foam over plywood supported by springs to provide extra bounce and a softer landing. Gymnasts perform a choreographed routine to music (without words) for up to 90 seconds, incorporating tumbling passes, jumps, leaps, dance elements, acrobatic skills, and turns. A gymnast can perform up to four tumbling passes, each typically including at least one flight element without hand support.

How do men's floor routines differ from women's in artistic gymnastics?

Men's floor routines are performed on the same 12-meter by 12-meter spring floor but typically last between 60 and 70 seconds and are performed without music, unlike women's routines. Male gymnasts are also required to touch each corner of the floor at least once during their routine, demonstrating flexibility, strength, and balance through tumbling passes and strength skills like circles, scales, and press handstands.

What types of skills are performed on the pommel horse?

A typical pommel horse exercise involves both single-leg work, often seen as scissors on the pommels, and double-leg work, which is the main component, featuring circular motions, turns (moores and spindles), or straddled legs (flares) across all parts of the apparatus. Routines conclude with a dismount, either by swinging the body over the horse or landing after a handstand variation.

What is required in a still rings routine?

In a still rings routine, the gymnast must demonstrate balance, strength, power, and dynamic motion while preventing the rings, suspended 5.75 meters from the floor, from swinging. At least one static strength move is mandatory, and some gymnasts include two or three. The routine ends with a dismount.

What factors contribute to a successful vault in men's artistic gymnastics?

A successful vault in men's artistic gymnastics depends on the speed of the run, the length of the hurdle, the power generated from the gymnast's legs and shoulder girdle, their kinesthetic awareness in the air, the quality of the landing, and the speed of rotation for more complex vaults, which may include multiple twists and somersaults.

What are the characteristics of the parallel bars event for men?

Men perform on two parallel bars, typically 2 meters high, executing a series of swings, balances, and releases that demand significant strength and coordination. The width between the bars is adjustable to suit individual gymnasts.

What skills are performed on the horizontal bar, and what aids are used?

On the horizontal bar, gymnasts perform giant swings (forward or backward revolutions in a handstand position), release skills, twists, and changes of direction. Momentum from these 'giants' allows for spectacular dismounts, such as a triple-back salto. Leather grips are commonly used to maintain grip and prevent hand rips, while straps are often employed during training to prevent falls.

How do individuals and groups compete in rhythmic gymnastics?

Individual rhythmic gymnasts perform four separate routines, each using one of the four apparatuses: ball, ribbon, hoop, or clubs. Groups consist of five gymnasts who perform two routines together, one with five of the same apparatus and one with a combination of three of one apparatus and two of another, with the FIG defining which apparatuses groups use each year.

What are the three sub-scores used in rhythmic gymnastics, and how are they determined?

Rhythmic gymnastics routines are evaluated using three sub-scores: difficulty, execution, and artistry. Difficulty is open-ended and based on the value of elements performed. Execution and artistry both start at ten points and are lowered for specific mistakes made by the gymnasts.

When did rhythmic gymnastics make its first appearance at the Olympic Games?

Rhythmic gymnastics made its first appearance at the Olympic Games in 1984.

Describe the rhythmic gymnastics ribbon and its fundamental elements.

The rhythmic gymnastics ribbon consists of a handle, which can be made of wood, bamboo, or synthetic materials like fiberglass, and the ribbon itself, which is made of satin and is six meters long. Fundamental elements involve creating continuous shapes with the fabric, such as tight circles (spirals) or waves (snakes), and elements called boomerangs, where the gymnast tosses the handle, pulls it back by the ribbon's end, and catches it. Knots in the ribbon must be undone to avoid penalties.

What change did the FIG make regarding the rope apparatus in senior individual rhythmic gymnastics?

In 2011, the FIG decided to eliminate the use of the rope apparatus in senior individual rhythmic gymnastics competitions, though it is still sometimes seen in junior group competition.

Are there versions of men's rhythmic gymnastics, and are they recognized by the FIG?

There are two versions of rhythmic gymnastics for men, but neither is currently recognized by the FIG. The Japanese version, developed in the 1940s, is performed on a sprung floor and includes acrobatic moves and flips. The European version uses generally the same rules and apparatus as women's rhythmic gymnastics and is prominent in Spain and France.

How is an individual trampoline routine scored in high-level competitions?

Individual trampoline routines are scored out of a maximum of 10 points, with additional points awarded for the difficulty of the moves and the length of time taken to complete the ten skills, which indicates the average height of the jumps. High-level competitions include two preliminary routines and an optional final routine, with scoring sometimes restarting from zero for the finals or adding to preliminary results.

What is tumbling, and when was it historically included in major competitions?

Tumbling involves athletes performing an explosive series of flips and twists down a sprung tumbling track. It was contested as an event in Men's Artistic Gymnastics at the 1932 Summer Olympics and the Pan American Games in 1955 and 1959. It has also been part of the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships (1974-1998) and the Trampoline and Tumbling World Championships (since 1976).

What are the competitive categories and scoring components in acrobatic gymnastics?

Acrobatic gymnastics features five competitive event categories: Women's Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Men's Pairs, Women's Groups (3 women), and Men's Groups (4 men). Routines are scored based on Difficulty (an open-ended score, sum of element values), Execution (technical performance, doubled, out of 10.00), and Artistic (choreography and overall performance, out of 10.00).

When was parkour recognized as a FIG sport, and when did its first World Championships take place?

Parkour was recognized as a FIG sport on January 28, 2018. Its first World Championships, initially planned for 2020 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually took place from October 15 to 16, 2022, in Tokyo, Japan. The competitive events in parkour are Speedrun and Freestyle.

What is para-gymnastics, and what type of gymnastics does it currently cover as an FIG discipline?

Para-gymnastics is a discipline for disabled athletes with para-athletics classifications, recognized as a new FIG discipline in October 2024. As an FIG discipline, it currently only covers artistic gymnastics.

What is general gymnastics, also known as 'gymnastics for all'?

General gymnastics, or 'gymnastics for all,' is a non-competitive program that allows people of all ages and abilities to participate in performance groups ranging from 6 to over 150 athletes. It is considered more of a sports program or performing art than a traditional sport, focusing on health benefits and synchronized, choreographed routines that can mix elements from various gymnastics disciplines. The largest exhibition for this discipline is the quadrennial World Gymnaestrada, first held in 1939.

What is Mallakhamba, and what is the origin of its name?

Mallakhamba is a traditional Indian sport where a gymnast performs feats and poses on a vertical wooden pole or rope. The word 'Mallakhamba' is derived from the Marathi terms 'malla,' meaning a wrestler, and 'khamba,' meaning a pole, translating to 'pole gymnastics.' The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh declared Mallakhamba its state sport on April 9, 2013, and the first Mallakhamba World Championship was held in Mumbai in February 2019.

Gymnastics Wiki: The Pinnacle of Poise: An Academic Journey Through Gymnastics

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Introduction

Defining Gymnastics

Gymnastics encompasses a diverse group of sports characterized by physical exercises that demand exceptional balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, artistry, and endurance. The movements inherent in gymnastics are instrumental in developing major muscle groups across the arms, legs, shoulders, back, chest, and abdomen. This athletic discipline, with its roots in ancient practices, has evolved into a globally recognized competitive and recreational activity.

Etymological Roots

The term "gymnastics" originates from the ancient Greek adjective "γυμνός" (gymnos), meaning "naked." This is linked to the verb "γυμνάζω" (gymnazo), which translates to "to train naked" or "to train in gymnastic exercise." This etymology reflects the historical practice of athletes in ancient Greece who exercised and competed without clothing, emphasizing the purity and dedication to physical form.

Global Governance

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) serves as the international governing body for competitive gymnastics. FIG oversees eight distinct sports, including Gymnastics for All, men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampolining (which includes double mini-trampoline), tumbling, acrobatic, aerobic, parkour, and para-gymnastics. This broad oversight highlights the sport's extensive reach and varied forms.

Historical Evolution

Ancient Origins

The genesis of gymnastics can be traced back to ancient Greece, particularly in city-states like Sparta and Athens. Philostratus's work, "Gymnastics: The Ethics of an Athletic Aesthetic," documents these early practices. The emphasis was on physical fitness for both men and women. Following the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BC, gymnastics became more formalized, primarily serving as a method for training men in warfare. In Athens, physical training was integrated with intellectual education at the Palestra, fostering a more aesthetic and individualistic approach to gymnastics, moving beyond strict discipline and mere strength.

The German Movement

The modern gymnastics movement gained significant momentum in Germany in 1811, spearheaded by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, often referred to as the "father of gymnastics." Jahn's innovations led to the invention of several key apparatuses that are still central to the sport today, including the parallel bars, rings, horizontal bar, pommel horse, and vault horse. Concurrently, Don Francisco Amorós y Ondeano introduced educative gymnastics in France, further spreading its influence.

American Adoption

The early 1820s saw the introduction of gymnastics to the United States by Germans Charles Beck and Charles Follen, alongside American John Neal. Beck established the first gymnasium in the US in 1825 at the Round Hill School in Massachusetts. Follen followed by opening the first college gymnasium at Harvard University and a public gymnasium in Boston in 1826. Neal further promoted the movement by opening a public gymnasium in Portland, Maine, in 1827, and documenting these efforts in prominent educational journals.

Modern Standardization

The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) was founded in Liege in 1881, marking a pivotal step towards global standardization. Men's gymnastics debuted in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Early Olympic competitions featured a wide array of exercises, including synchronized team floor calisthenics, rope climbing, and high jumping. Women began organizing and participating in gymnastics events in the 1920s, with their first limited Olympic competition in 1928. By 1954, Olympic apparatus and events for both genders were standardized, and a uniform grading structure was implemented. The captivating performances of Soviet gymnasts in the 1950s, such as Nadia Comăneci and Olga Korbut, significantly boosted the sport's global popularity, a trend amplified by television broadcasts.

FIG Disciplines

Artistic

Artistic gymnastics (AG) is the most recognized competitive form, divided into men's and women's events. Women compete on four apparatuses: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Men compete on six: floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar. The discipline emphasizes a blend of strength, agility, flexibility, and aesthetic presentation.

Women's Artistic Gymnastics Events:

Vault: Gymnasts sprint down a 25-meter runway, take off from a springboard, momentarily invert on the vaulting table, and propel themselves to a two-footed landing. The modern vaulting table, introduced in 2001, is wider and more stable, promoting safer execution of complex vaults like the Yurchenko.
Uneven Bars: A routine performed on two parallel horizontal bars of different heights. Modern bars are fiberglass-covered wood, allowing for dynamic swinging, circling, transitional, and release moves that often pass through a handstand position. Gymnasts use chalk and leather grips for enhanced performance and safety.
Balance Beam: A choreographed routine, up to 90 seconds, performed on a padded beam 125 cm high, 5 meters long, and 10.16 cm wide. Routines incorporate leaps, acrobatic skills, somersaults, turns, and dance elements, demanding exceptional balance and precision.
Floor Exercise: Performed on a carpeted 12m x 12m spring floor, which provides extra bounce. Women's routines are choreographed to music (without words) and include tumbling passes, jumps, leaps, dance elements, acrobatic skills, and turns. Up to four tumbling passes, each with at least one flight element without hand support, are typically performed.

Men's Artistic Gymnastics Events:

Floor Exercise: Also performed on a 12m x 12m spring floor, men's routines, lasting 60-70 seconds, emphasize flexibility, strength, and balance through tumbling passes, circles, scales, and press handstands. Unlike women's, these routines are performed without music, and gymnasts must touch each corner of the floor at least once.
Pommel Horse: Features a horizontal body with two pommels. Gymnasts support themselves with their hands, performing single-leg (e.g., scissors) and double-leg (circular motions, moores, spindles, flares) work across the apparatus. Routines conclude with a dismount, often involving a handstand variation.
Still Rings: Rings suspended 5.75 meters from the floor. Gymnasts execute routines demonstrating balance, strength, power, and dynamic motion while minimizing ring swing. At least one static strength move is required, and routines end with a dismount.
Vault: Similar to women's vault, men sprint down a runway, hurdle onto a springboard, and perform complex aerial maneuvers with multiple twists and somersaults in the post-flight segment. Success hinges on speed, power, kinesthetic awareness, and a precise landing.
Parallel Bars: Routines on two parallel bars, adjustable in width and typically 2 meters high. Gymnasts perform a series of swings, balances, and release skills, requiring immense upper body strength and coordination.
Horizontal Bar: A 2.8 cm thick steel bar, 2.5 meters high. Gymnasts perform giant swings (forward or backward revolutions in handstand), release skills, twists, and changes of direction. Momentum from giants allows for spectacular dismounts, such as triple-back saltos. Leather grips are commonly used to prevent rips and maintain hold.

Rhythmic

Rhythmic gymnastics is an exclusively female discipline that blends elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation. It places a greater emphasis on aesthetic grace and fluidity rather than acrobatic power. Competitors perform either individually with one of four apparatuses (ball, ribbon, hoop, clubs, or formerly rope) or in groups of five with specific apparatus combinations.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus:

Ball: Made of rubber or synthetic material, the ball must rest in the hand, not be grasped. Routines involve bouncing and rolling.
Hoop: Made of plastic or wood, often covered with decorative tape. Key elements include rotation around the hand or body, rolling on the body or floor, and passing through the hoop.
Ribbon: Consists of a handle and a 6-meter satin ribbon. Gymnasts create continuous shapes like spirals and waves, and perform "boomerangs" where the handle is tossed and retrieved. Knots incur penalties.
Clubs: Used in pairs, made of wood or synthetic materials, often wrapped with decorative tape. Routines feature swinging the club heads in circles, small throws with aerial rotations, and asymmetrical movements.
Rope: Made from hemp or synthetic material, without handles. Routines historically included leaping and skipping. The FIG eliminated rope from senior individual rhythmic gymnastics competitions in 2011, though it is still seen in junior group competition.

Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics:

While not recognized by FIG, two versions exist:

Japanese Version: Developed in the 1940s, practiced for fitness, and includes acrobatic moves and flips on a sprung floor, with apparatus like stick, clubs, rope, or double rings.
European Version: Follows rules similar to women's rhythmic gymnastics, using the same apparatus. Prominent in Spain and France, with national and mixed-gender competitions.

Trampoline

Trampolining and tumbling encompasses four distinct events: individual trampoline, synchronized trampoline, double mini-trampoline, and tumbling (also known as power tumbling or rod floor). Individual trampoline has been an Olympic event since 2000, showcasing aerial skills and complex sequences.

Trampolining Events:

Individual Trampoline: Routines begin with a build-up phase to gain height, followed by ten continuous bounces featuring a sequence of aerial skills. Scoring considers difficulty and the time taken to complete the skills, reflecting average jump height.
Synchronized Trampoline: Two competitors perform identical routines simultaneously, with marks awarded for both individual form, difficulty, and the precision of their synchronization.
Double Mini-Trampoline: Involves a smaller trampoline with a run-up. Gymnasts perform two scoring moves per routine, with rules preventing the repetition of moves in the same order within a competition.

Tumbling

Tumbling involves athletes performing an explosive series of flips and twists down a sprung tumbling track. This discipline emphasizes power and acrobatic prowess. Historically, tumbling was an event in Men's Artistic Gymnastics at the 1932 Summer Olympics and later featured in Acrobatic and Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships.

Athletes compete on a 25-meter sprung track with a 10-meter run-up. A tumbling pass consists of eight skills, typically starting with a round-off, transitioning into whips (handsprings without hand support), and concluding with a challenging end skill. High-level gymnasts incorporate transitional skills, such as double or triple somersaults, within the middle of their runs.

Competitions include individual and team events. In team events, three out of four gymnasts perform one run each, with the three highest scores counting. Individual qualification rounds require a straight pass (somersaults) and a twisting pass (twisting whips and combination skills). Finals demand two different runs, often combining both twisting and straight elements.

Acrobatic

Acrobatic gymnastics, often called "acro," is a group discipline for both men and women, where acrobats perform choreographed routines to music in pairs, trios, or quads. It combines balance, dynamic elements, and artistic expression, showcasing intricate human pyramids and throws.

Competitive Categories:

Women's Pairs
Mixed Pairs
Men's Pairs
Women's Groups (3 women)
Men's Groups (4 men)

International age categories include 11–16, 12–18, 13–19, and Senior (15+). All levels require a balance routine (held balance skills) and a dynamic routine (flipping elements). Higher levels (12–18, 13–19, Seniors) also perform a combined routine. World Championships have been held since 1974.

Aerobic

Aerobic gymnastics, formerly sport aerobics, involves routines performed by individuals, pairs, trios, groups of five, and larger aerobic dance and step teams (eight people). This discipline emphasizes strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness, rather than acrobatic or balance skills. Routines are performed on a 10m x 10m floor for seniors, with shorter durations for younger participants.

Event Categories:

Individual Women
Individual Men
Mixed Pairs
Trios
Groups
Dance
Step

Routines typically last 70–90 seconds, depending on the age and category. The World Championships for aerobic gymnastics have been held since 1995.

Parkour

Parkour, also known as freerunning, was officially recognized as a FIG sport in January 2018. This discipline involves navigating obstacles in an environment, emphasizing efficient movement, speed, and freestyle expression. The first Parkour World Championships, initially planned for 2020, were held in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2022.

Event Categories:

Speedrun: Focuses on completing a course as quickly as possible.
Freestyle: Emphasizes creative and expressive movement over obstacles.

Para

Para-gymnastics, designed for disabled athletes with para-athletics classifications, was recognized as a new FIG discipline in October 2024. Currently, this discipline specifically covers artistic gymnastics, providing a structured competitive framework for athletes with various physical impairments.

Other Disciplines

Aesthetic Group

Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG), developed from Finnish "naisvoimistelu," differs from rhythmic gymnastics by emphasizing large, continuous body movements without apparatus in international competitions. Teams are larger, and the sport prioritizes flow, expression, and aesthetic appeal, requiring uniformity and simultaneity in performance. The International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (IFAGG) was established in 2003, with its first World Championships held in 2000.

TeamGym

TeamGym, a competition format created by the European Union of Gymnastics (originally EuroTeam), features women's, men's, and mixed teams. Athletes compete across three disciplines: floor, tumbling, and trampette, demanding effective teamwork and advanced tumbling techniques. The first official competition took place in Finland in 1996, and while there are no World Championships, a European Championships has been held since 2010.

Wheel

Wheel gymnastics involves performing exercises within a large wheel, known as the Rhönrad, gymnastics wheel, gym wheel, or German wheel. This unique discipline includes four core categories of exercise: straight line, spiral, vault, and cyr wheel. The first World Championships for wheel gymnastics were held in 1995.

Mallakhamba

Mallakhamba is a traditional Indian sport where gymnasts perform feats and poses on a vertical wooden pole or rope. The name derives from "malla" (wrestler) and "khamba" (pole), translating to "pole gymnastics." Recognized as the state sport of Madhya Pradesh in 2013, the first Mallakhamba World Championship was held in Mumbai in February 2019.

Non-Competitive

General gymnastics, or "gymnastics for all," is a non-competitive program that allows individuals of all ages and abilities to participate in performance groups ranging from 6 to over 150 athletes. It functions more as a sports program or performing art, incorporating elements from various gymnastics disciplines and even non-recognized events like aerial silk. Routines are synchronized and choreographed, often featuring mixed-gender groups separated by age. The largest exhibition is the quadrennial World Gymnaestrada, first held in 1939. Recognized by FIG in 1984, it emphasizes health benefits and broad participation.

Scoring System

Code of Points

In artistic gymnastics, a gymnast's final score is derived from two primary components: the Difficulty (D) score and the Execution (E) score. The Code of Points, a set of guidelines for scoring, is revised every four years (quadrennium) to align with Olympic cycles, ensuring continuous evolution and adaptation of the sport's technical demands.

Difficulty (D) Score

The D-score is an open-ended score, meaning there is no theoretical maximum. It reflects the inherent difficulty of the elements a gymnast attempts and whether specific composition requirements for each apparatus are met. Higher-value skills and complex connections contribute to a greater D-score, pushing athletes to innovate and master increasingly challenging routines.

Execution (E) Score

The E-score begins at a perfect 10.0. Deductions are taken by judges for errors in execution, form, and artistry. This score evaluates how well the skills are performed, focusing on precision, technique, and aesthetic presentation. The combination of the D-score and E-score yields the final score, a system that has been in place since 2006, replacing the previous maximum 10.0 system.

Health & Safety

Injury Risks

Gymnastics is recognized as a sport with a high injury rate, particularly among girls aged 11 to 18. Athletes are at an elevated risk for overuse injuries and those stemming from early sports specialization during childhood and adolescence. Common injury sites include the feet and wrists, underscoring the importance of preventative measures and proper training protocols.

Banned Skills & Equipment Evolution

For safety reasons, certain gymnastic movements once permitted are now banned. A notable example is the Thomas salto, a twisting salto with a forward roll landing, which was prohibited after severe injuries, including one that left 1978 World all-around champion Elena Mukhina quadriplegic. Similarly, the traditional vaulting horse was replaced by the safer vaulting table in the early 2000s, and additional mats were introduced around the springboard following incidents like Julissa Gomez's paralyzing injury during a vault attempt. These changes reflect a continuous effort to enhance athlete safety.

The Art of Landing

Landing is a critical phase in tumbling passes, dismounts, and vaults, significantly impacting both competition scores and injury risk. Insufficient energy dissipation during impact can lead to lower extremity injuries such as cartilage lesions, ligament tears, and bone bruises/fractures. A successful, "soft" landing is characterized by knee and hip joint flexion greater than 63 degrees. Gymnasts can mitigate impact forces by increasing the duration of the landing through greater hip, knee, and ankle amplitude, effectively managing the vertical ground reaction force.

Injury Prevention

Podium training, the official practice session before a competition, is crucial for gymnasts to familiarize themselves with the arena's equipment, primarily for safety. Beyond this, consistent strength training is a vital component in preventing injuries. Addressing the risks associated with overuse and early specialization through balanced training regimens and appropriate rest periods is essential for the long-term health and career longevity of gymnasts.

Abuse Concerns

Cases of emotional and sexual abuse have been documented in gymnastics across various countries. The USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal stands as one of the most significant abuse scandals in sports history. Furthermore, the 2022 Whyte Review criticized extensive abusive practices within British Gymnastics, including sexual and emotional abuse, and excessive weight management of athletes. These revelations highlight systemic issues and the critical need for robust safeguarding measures and accountability within the sport.

Height & Growth

Gymnasts often exhibit shorter stature, a characteristic that is more likely attributed to genetic predisposition rather than the sport itself impacting growth. Studies suggest that parents of gymnasts also tend to be shorter than average, indicating a familial tendency rather than a direct effect of gymnastic training on height development.

Former Events

Rope Climbing

Historically, rope climbing was a competitive event where gymnasts ascended a 6-meter or 8-meter natural fiber rope, 38mm in diameter, for speed. Starting from a seated position, competitors primarily used their hands and arms, though kicking the legs was generally permitted. Many advanced gymnasts performed this in a straddle or pike position, eliminating leg assistance.

Flying Rings

Similar to still rings, flying rings was an event where performers executed a series of stunts while swinging. This gymnastic event was sanctioned by organizations like the NCAA and AAU until the early 1960s, showcasing dynamic aerial maneuvers distinct from the static strength required on still rings.

Club Swinging

Club swinging, also known as Indian clubs, was an event in men's artistic gymnastics until the 1950s. It involved swinging clubs in routines that were simpler than modern rhythmic gymnastics, with limited throws. This event was featured in the 1904 and 1932 Summer Olympic Games.

Other Men's Artistic

Past Olympic Games included several men's artistic gymnastics events that are no longer contested:

Team horizontal bar and parallel bar (1896 Summer Olympics)
Team free and Swedish system (1912 and 1920 Summer Olympics)
Combined and triathlon (1904 Summer Olympics)
Side horse vault (1924 Summer Olympics)
Tumbling (1932 Summer Olympics)

Other Women's Artistic

Women's artistic gymnastics also featured events that have since been retired from Olympic competition:

Team exercise (1928, 1936, and 1948 Summer Olympics)
Parallel bars (1938 World Championships)
Team portable apparatus (1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics)

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References

Yeow, C., Lee, P., & Goh, J. (2009). Effect of landing height on frontal plane kinematics, kinetics, and energy dissipation at lower extremity joints. Journal of Biomechanics, 1967â1973.

Gittoes, M. J., & Irin, G. (2012). Biomechanical approaches to understanding the potentially injurious demands of gymnastic-style impact landings. Sports Medicine A Rehabilitation Therapy Technology, 1â9.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Gymnastics Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional training or medical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional coaching, medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified gymnastics coach, sports medicine professional, or healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding training, health, or safety in gymnastics. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Pinnacle of Poise

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 💡

🌟 Defining Gymnastics

🏛️ Etymological Roots

🌐 Global Governance

Historical Evolution 📜

🇬🇷 Ancient Origins

🇩🇪 The German Movement

🇺🇸 American Adoption

🏅 Modern Standardization

FIG Disciplines 🤸

🤸‍♀️ Artistic

Women's Artistic Gymnastics Events:

Men's Artistic Gymnastics Events:

🎀 Rhythmic

Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatus:

Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics:

🤸‍♂️ Trampoline

Trampolining Events:

💫 Tumbling

🤝 Acrobatic

Competitive Categories:

🏃‍♀️ Aerobic

Event Categories:

🚧 Parkour

Event Categories:

♿ Para

Other Disciplines ➕

👯‍♀️ Aesthetic Group

🤝 TeamGym

⚙️ Wheel

🇮🇳 Mallakhamba

🤸‍♂️ Non-Competitive

Scoring System 📊

📝 Code of Points

📈 Difficulty (D) Score

💯 Execution (E) Score

Health & Safety 🚨

🤕 Injury Risks

🚫 Banned Skills & Equipment Evolution

⬇️ The Art of Landing

🏋️‍♀️ Injury Prevention

⚖️ Abuse Concerns

📏 Height & Growth

Former Events 🕰️

🧗 Rope Climbing

🤸‍♀️ Flying Rings

🤹 Club Swinging

📋 Other Men's Artistic

📋 Other Women's Artistic

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Defining Gymnastics

Etymological Roots

Global Governance

Historical Evolution

Ancient Origins

The German Movement

American Adoption

Modern Standardization

FIG Disciplines

Artistic

Rhythmic

Trampoline

Tumbling

Acrobatic

Aerobic

Parkour

Para

Other Disciplines

Aesthetic Group

TeamGym

Wheel

Mallakhamba

Non-Competitive

Scoring System

Code of Points

Difficulty (D) Score

Execution (E) Score

Health & Safety

Injury Risks

Banned Skills & Equipment Evolution

The Art of Landing

Injury Prevention

Abuse Concerns

Height & Growth

Former Events

Rope Climbing

Flying Rings

Club Swinging

Other Men's Artistic

Other Women's Artistic

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice