Schedule of Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics as a sport discipline emerged in 19th century and has since assimilated various elements of classical ballet, Swedish exercise technique and German muscle-building techniques. Rhythmic Gymnastics gained prominence during the 1930s and in 1963, International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) recognized rhythmic gymnastics as an official discipline. It debuted in 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles. Later at Atlanta 1996 Olympics, a group event was added to this discipline. At the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the rhythmic gymnastics events will be held at the Wembley Arena from 9-12 August 2012. The Wimbley Arena will have seating capacity for 6,000 spectators. The number of events to be held is 2 and number of athletes participating for Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions is 96. The other gymnastics disciplines to be played are artistic gymnastics and trampoline. Yana Lukonina of Russia, Liubou Charkashyna of Belarus, Margarita Mamun of Russia, Aliaksandra Narkevich Belarus and Marie Christin Weber of Austria are some of the top gymnasts to watch at 2012 London Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions. Aliaksandra Narkevich Belarus, Yana Lukonina, Liubou Charkashyna and Margarita Mamun captured top slots in Montreal World Cup.

Gymnastics - Rhythmic Events In London 2012 Olympics

Olympic Gymnastics - Rhythmic Rules
Rhythmic Gymnastics is one of two women-only disciplines in the Olympic Games. The players use hula hoops and other props to show strength flexibility, high standards of balance and coordination. The hoops are either made of wood or plastic, and have inner diameter of 80 to 90 centimeters. The contestant performs holding a hoop, ribbons, ball or clubs. All through the performance, the players are required to keep the tool in constant motion using movements showing various shape, direction, amplitude, plane and speed. The scores are awarded on the basis of difficulty, artistry and execution. There are two competition categories for Rhythmic Gymnastics: the Women's individual All Around and the Women's Group All Around for the 2012 Olympic Games. The individual performance will last between 1min 15sec to 1min 30sec where as group performances last between 2min 15sec and 2min 30sec. In the event of gymnasts exceeding time limit will incur penalty for them. In the group competition, teams will perform two rounds of exercises. In the first round, the team players will use same pieces of tool and in the second round, the players will use a combination of two different pieces of tool. The teams that secured the top eight slots can progress from the preliminary round to the finals.

In Rhythmic Gymnastics, the gymnasts perform on a carpeted surface measuring 13 by 13 meters. The gymnasts are required to use the entire area during the performance. They need to take care of set boundaries and perform within the specified area to avoid penalty.

Qualification
The qualification for Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics competition will be determined by scores obtained at 2011 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held at Montpellier. The top 15 individual gymnasts from the 2012 World Championships in Montpellier will qualify for the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games. Five more gymnasts will be given opportunity to play for Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics based on scores held at January 2012 Olympics test event.

Rhythmic gymnastics with its flowing exercises attune to music, expression of body movements with grace, flexibility and beautiful postures will surely make delightful sight for spectators to watch this eventful sport during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

-Tsering Chodon