Gymnastics – Rhythmic

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, grace and beauty will be on show throughout the four days of Rhythmic Gymnastics competition at Wembley Arena.

 

Key facts

Venue: Wembley Arena
Dates: Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 August
Medal events: 2
Athletes: 96 (all women)

Rhythmic Gymnastics first appeared during the 19th century, and slowly grew in popularity until the first experimental competitions were staged during the 1930s. Having evolved to incorporate elements from classical ballet, German muscle-building techniques and Swedish exercise systems, it’s one of the most beautiful spectacles on the Olympic programme. 

 

The basics

One of just two women-only disciplines in the Olympic Games (the other is Synchronised Swimming), Rhythmic Gymnastics is a combination of gymnastics and dance. Competitors perform short routines to music using hand apparatus – a ball, clubs, a hoop and a ribbon – on a floor area measuring 13m by 13m. Scores are awarded in three categories: difficulty, artistry and execution.

Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics, past and present

The first World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships were held in Budapest in 1963, just over two decades before the discipline made its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games of 1984. A group event was added to the programme at the Atlanta 1996 Games.

At London 2012, the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition will take place at Wembley Arena, a world-class multi-purpose venue that will have a capacity of 6,000 spectators. 

 

Gymnastics – Rhythmic

Gymnastics – Rhythmic
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