Artistic Gymnastics

Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which competitors perform short routines (ranging from approximately 10 to 90 seconds) on different apparatus. They are then graded on a scale from 0 to 10 based on the difficulty and precision of movements performed, as well as the execution of certain required movements. The scoring of gymnastics routines is regulated in the Code of Points.

In elite competition, each competitor will compete once on each apparatus; their scores are recorded and points tallied. Medals are then awarded based on the highest team and individual scores. The next day, the best performers on each apparatus compete for medals on the apparatus on which they have qualified.

Artistic gymnastics is one of the most popular spectator sports at the Summer Olympic Games, although it is not a particularly popular participant sport, as performing at even a basic level requires very high levels of fitness and skill which take more training than many people are prepared to commit. However, the discipline of general gymnastics is geared more towards participation for fun and fitness, rather than competition, and attracts a respectable number of participants including retired gymnasts.

In the past, WAG was dominated by girls in their early teens, as their small size and light weight made landings softer and many movements easier. However, minimum age requirements (caused by concerns about competitor welfare) and audience scepticism of the relevance of a contest dominated by pre-pubertal girls, have changed this somewhat, but elite female gymnasts are generally in their middle to late teenage years and of below-average height and weight. Male gymnasts, because of the different emphases of their apparatus, reach their peak in their early twenties.

The world's best gymnasts have traditionally come from Romania and The Former Soviet Union. The United States is usually considered a "second power" in the sport, despite having produced some famous gymnasts, especially in the women's category. However, in recent years the US team has achieved greater prestige, with the 1996 Olympic team victory of the Magnificent Seven in Atlanta, and the 2003 World Team victory in Anaheim. China and Australia are in a similar situation.

In WAG, you begin at level 1, and work your way up to 10. After Level 10, you become an Elite. Oddly enough, in MAG, you start at level 7, and work your way down to level 1, then you become Elite. Once you are Elite, you can compete in competitions such as the Pan Am Games, the World Championships and the Olympics.

The apparatus used in Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), and Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) differ, with the unique men's apparatus particularly emphasising strength requirements and the women's apparatus emphasising balance and agility.

Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)

Floor

The floor is a carpeted area, 12m x 12m, usually springed. Men perform a series of tumbling passes along with flexibility, strength, and balance tests. Routines last between 50-70 seconds and are performed without music.

Pommel Horse

Men must perform circular movements around the horse with their legs while allowing only their hands to actually touch it. This is considered one of the hardest events.

Rings

The rings are about 8 feet off the ground. Men must have good strength and flexibility to swing themselves on these rings while preventing the rings themselves from swinging. The rings are the epitome of male gymnast strength.

Vault

Gymnasts sprint down a runway, usually about 75 feet long, before leaping on a springboard and holding their bodies straight while punching (blocking using only a shoulder movement) the vault and flipping over to a standing position. In advanced gymnastics, twists are added before landing.

Parallel Bars

Men hold themselves on two bars about a shoulder's width apart and about 6 1/2 feet high while performing a series of swings and balances that require great strength and coordination.

High Bar

A 1-inch thick steel bar 8 feet in the air is all the gymnast has to hold onto as he shows swings, release skills, twists, and even a change of direction.

Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)

Vault

Uneven Bars

Women competing on this event must hold themselves in a series of dares while leaping and even flying between two bars.

Beam

The balance beam is an event which pushes balance and awareness. The beam itself is about 125cm high, 5m long, and 10cm wide. Routines include tumbling, turns, upside down feats, and a leap series.

Floor

The floor is a carpeted area, 12m x 12m, usually springed. Gymnasts perform a series of tumbling and dance moves to music in a routine that lasts between 60-90 seconds.