Gymnastics

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

HISTORY: Is a women­only event in which gymnasts perform on a floor with a rope, hoop , ball, clubs or ribbon accompanied by music, in individual or group events.

It started as an independent competitive sport in the early nineteen fifties by the Russians. Then in 1963 the first rhythmic gymnastics world championship was held in Europe. It did not become an Olympic medal sport until 1984.

In the U.S has six different competitive level: level 5 being the lowest competitive level and until level 10 which is the highest. Levels five through seven have compulsory routines they must complete.

The kind of movements they do are: ­Rope:​ swings the rope in various directions (over, around and under the gymnast’s body) They can also throw and catch the rope. It can be made of hemp or synthetic material similar to hemp.

Ribbon: ​ Snakes, spirals, swings, throws and catches, traps and figure eights are made with it, wrapping around themselves. There are different types of length depending on the level. The ribbon is attached to the stick and the material is satin or synthetic satin; any colour except gold, silver or bronze.

Clubs: ​ The clubs may be made of wood or synthetic material. As in ribbon, they could use any colour except gold, silver or bronze. The typical movements are: swinging, throw and catch, circling, clapping, trapping and spinning.

Hoop: ​ It may be made of wood or plastic. The hoop may be of a natural colour or be partially of fully covered by one or several colours. The hoop routines include rotation around the hand or body and rolling, as well as swings, circles, throw, and passes through and over the hope.

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a very challenging sport. There are four main points to be a good gymnast: ­Attitude: accept criticism, work hard etc. ­Commitment: try to reach your goals, not give up. ­Practice ­Confidence: it’s the key point.

Almudena Cid​ is one of the most famous rhythmic gymnast in Spain. She started at the age of six. She had one of the longest careers as an elite rhythmic gymnast taking part of some Olympics games like Atlanta or Sydney.