Artistic gymnastics

Artistic Gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform short routines (ranging from approximately 30 to 90 seconds) on different apparatus, with less time for vaulting. The sport is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), which designs the Code of Points and regulates all aspects of international elite competition. Within individual countries, gymnastics is regulated by national federations like USA Gymnastics (USAG) in the United States.

History

Artistic gymnastics is one of the oldest forms of gymnastics and has its roots in ancient civilizations. However, it was not until the late 19th century that it began to take its modern form. The first modern Olympic Games in 1896 featured men's artistic gymnastics. Women's artistic gymnastics was added to the Olympics in 1928.

Apparatus

In artistic gymnastics, athletes compete on different apparatus. Men compete on six apparatus: Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and Horizontal Bar. Women compete on four: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise.

Men's Apparatus

• Floor Exercise: Gymnasts perform a routine on a 12m x 12m spring floor.
• Pommel Horse: Routines involve circular movements of the legs and body, with both hands on the horse.
• Rings: Gymnasts perform swings, strength elements, and holds, requiring great strength and control.
• Vault: Athletes sprint down a runway and perform a vault over a vaulting table.
• Parallel Bars: Routines consist of swings, flights, and balances on two parallel bars.
• Horizontal Bar: Gymnasts perform swings, release skills, and dismounts around a single bar.

Women's Apparatus

• Vault: Similar to men, but the performance and scoring criteria differ.
• Uneven Bars: Gymnasts perform routines moving between two bars of different heights.
• Balance Beam: Athletes perform a routine on a beam only 10cm wide.
• Floor Exercise: Similar to men but includes dance elements.

Scoring

The scoring in artistic gymnastics is based on the Code of Points, a comprehensive rulebook that outlines the scoring system. Scores are divided into two parts: the difficulty score (D-score) and the execution score (E-score). The D-score is based on the difficulty of the elements the gymnast performs, and the E-score is based on how well the gymnast executes the routine, with deductions for errors.

Major Competitions

The most prestigious competitions in artistic gymnastics are the Olympic Games, the World Championships, and the World Cup series. National championships and continental championships, such as the European Championships and the Pan American Games, also hold significant importance.

Notable Gymnasts

Many gymnasts have left a significant mark on the sport. Notable names include Simone Biles from the United States, who is considered one of the greatest female gymnasts of all time, and Kohei Uchimura from Japan, often regarded as the greatest male gymnast in history.

See Also

• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Trampoline Gymnastics
• Acrobatic Gymnastics