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Artistic gymnastics

Artistic Gymnastics is one discipline of gymnastics.

In Artistic Gymnastics, competitors perform short routines (ranging from approximately 10 to 90 seconds) on different apparatus. They are then graded on a score from 0 to 10 based on whether the performance contained certain required movements, the difficulty of the movements performed, and how well their performance compared to the desired performance of that movement. This is regulated in the 'Codes of Points '.

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

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.

The apparatus used in Men Artistic Gymnastic, also called MAG, and Women Artistic Gymnastic, also called WAG, varies, with the unique male apparatus particularly emphasising strength requirements and the women's apparatus emphasising balance and agility.

In the past, female gymnastics was dominated by girls in their early teenage years, as their small size and light weight made landings softer and many movements easier. Minimum age requirements, caused by concerns about competitor welfare and audience skepticism 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 traditionally come from Romania, Russia, and China. The United States women won the 2003 World Championships held in Anaheim, California in August 2003. They were strongly favored for Olympic gold in Athens in August 2004, but placed second to the Romanian team.

However, Carly Patterson, the all-around silver medalist from the 2003 World Championships, won the individual all-around gold medal at the Athens games, over the Russian veteran Svetlana Khorkina.

The US Men's team, traditionally a poor second to the US Women's team, placed second at Athens, its best finish since 1984 when they finished first in the Los Angeles Olympics. The US's Paul Hamm (though not without controversy) won the gold medal in the men's individual all-around, the best-ever performance by an American man in the individual all-around.

WAG apparatus include:

MAG apparatus include:

Equipment and uniforms:

  • Hand Guard
  • Mats
  • Uniform



Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45