What is rhythmic gymnastics?
Q: What is rhythmic gymnastics?
A: Rhythmic gymnastics is a type of gymnastics that combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation.
Q: What do rhythmic gymnasts do?
A: Rhythmic gymnasts perform on a floor with an apparatus, accompanied by music, in individual or group events. They manipulate one or two apparatus such as rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon.
Q: How is the winner determined in rhythmic gymnastics competitions?
A: The winner is determined by a panel of judges based on the participant who earns the most points for leaps, balances, pirouettes, flexibility, apparatus handling, execution, and artistic effect.
Q: What sports influenced the development of rhythmic gymnastics?
A: Rhythmic gymnastics developed from group gymnastics, classical ballet, German apparatus work, and the Swedish free exercise method.
Q: What age groups are competitions in rhythmic gymnastics split between?
A: International competitions are split between juniors, under sixteen by their year of birth; and seniors, for women sixteen and over again by their year of birth.
Q: What are the largest events in rhythmic gymnastics?
A: The largest events in rhythmic gymnastics are the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cups.
Q: When was rhythmic gymnastics officially recognized by FIG and when was the first time it appeared in the Olympics?
A: Rhythmic gymnastics was officially recognized by FIG in 1963. The first time rhythmic gymnastics was in the Olympics was in 1984 in Los Angeles, and the first winner in the individual competition was a Canadian gymnast called Lori Fung. In 1996, rhythmic gymnastics group competitions were added to the Olympics.
