Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is a beautiful sport. Athletes dance and do flips while using special tools. These tools are called apparatus, like hoops, balls, clubs, and ribbons. The gymnasts perform to music on a large mat. Rhythmic gymnastics has been an Olympic sport for women since 1984.

The Tools

Rhythmic gymnasts use five main tools. The rope is swung and jumped over. The hoop is rolled and tossed. The ball is balanced and bounced. The clubs are like bowling pins that are thrown and caught. The ribbon is waved to make pretty shapes in the air.

How It Is Judged

Gymnasts perform routines that last about 90 seconds. They must match their moves to the music. Judges give scores for how well they do the tricks. They also look at how graceful and creative the routine is. The gymnasts wear sparkly costumes called leotards.

Fun Facts

• Top rhythmic gymnasts start training when they are very young, often at age 5.
• Russia and Bulgaria are famous for great rhythmic gymnasts.
• A ribbon used in rhythmic gymnastics is about 20 feet long.

Did You Know?

There is also a group version of rhythmic gymnastics. Five gymnasts perform together and must share and toss the same apparatus as a team.