Boys
or Men compete in six
different events. Each one requires a compulsory
routine and one optional routine. Here are the
events:
Floor Exercise-
A routine of dance type movements with acrobatic
skills performed without equipment on a mat about
40 square feet (12m).
Pommel Horse-
A routine performed on a leather- covered piece
of equipment in which two pommels or handles are
inserted in the center 15.7 to 17.7 inches (40 to
45cm) apart. The routine includes a series of
continuous swinging and circular motions with the
upper body and legs throughout as the athlete
travels from one end of the horse to the other
using only his hands and feet for support.
Rings- A routine
performed while grasping to wooden rings, one in
each hand, with the rings hanging from straps and
hung parallel to each other 9 feet (2.75 m) above
the floor mat. The routine combines a series of
powerful positions with rapid movements designed
to test strength and precision.
Vault- A routine
involving an apparatus known as a horse that
measures 5.2 feet long and 4.4 feet high and has
no pommels. The gymnast runs toward the vault
approaching the vault lengthwise. He then takes
off from a springboard placing both hands on the
surface of the vault. Then the gymnast completes
the flight with an acrobatic airborne maneuver
before making a controlled landing.
Parallel Bars-
A routine performed on two flexible parallel
rails 6.4 feet above the ground and 16.5 to 20.5
inches apart from each other. The routine
includes a series of swinging, balancing and
flying moves.
Horizontal Bar- A
routine performed on a single steel bar suspended
9 feet above the floor mat. The routine requires
continual swinging motions around the bar with
many constant changes in the direction and in
grip. In the dismount the gymnast casts himself
off the bar, soars through the air, and then
makes a stable landing.
Women or Girls
compete in four events of which each requires a
compulsory and one optional routine. Here they
are:
Vault- The event is
similar to the men’s event. The vault is
similar in shape and size but the height is
lowered to 3.9 feet and is approached by the
side.
Floor Exercise-
A routine performed without an apparatus on a
floor mat. The mat is about the same size as the
men’s (40 feet square). The routine is
similar to the men’s floor exercise but it
is performed to music.
Uneven Bars-A
routine performed on a set of two flexible bars
between a maximum of 4.7 feet apart from each
other and at different heights. The upper bar is
between 7.7 feet and 7.9 feet from the floor. The
lower bar, parallel to it, is between 4.6 feet
and 5.2 feet above the floor. The routine
requires continuous swinging, releasing, and
changing of direction over, under, and between
the bars with a mount and a dismount.
Balance Beam-
A routine performed on a single beam 4 inches
wide, 16.4 feet long, and 3.9 feet off the
ground. The routine consists of a series of
tumbling moves, turns, jumps, and leaps. The
routine requires a mount and a dismount.
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