WOMEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics enhances co-ordination and agility, body awareness and balance and helps to develop posture, confident body movement, strength, and flexibility for life’s constant challenges.

=

VAULT

A gymnast sprints down a runway, which is a maximum of 25 meters in length, before leaping onto a spring board. Harnessing the explosive energy of the spring, the gymnast directs her body hands-first towards the vault. Body position is maintained while “popping” (blocking using only a shoulder movement) the vaulting platform. The gymnast then rotates her body so as to land in a standing position on the far side of the vault. In advanced gymnastics, multiple twists and somersaults may be added before landing.

=

BEAM

The gymnast performs a choreographed routine from 70 to 90 seconds in length.  Balance at its most extreme, adding an extra element to the acrobatic sequences, gymnastic jumps and turns. It is an exercise not only of flexibility, but also of concentration, rhythm and expression.

=

UNEVEN BARS

On the uneven bars the gymnast navigates two horizontal bars set at different pre-set heights yet alterable widths. Gymnasts perform swinging, circling, transitional, and release moves — as well as moves that pass through the handstand. The most common way to mount these bars is by jumping towards the lower bar first.  The uneven bars requires strength, precision, rhythm, concentration and courage.

=

FLOOR

A creative combination of expressive dance, daring acrobatics and powerful gymnastics performed to music, where each gymnast communicates her own personality and style. The floor event occurs on a carpeted 12m × 12m (40′ × 40′) square, called a “spring floor.