Gymnastics is one of the most spectacular sporting activities to watch. Each gravity defying move represents a direct confrontation between the athlete and limits of what is possible for human movement. Gymnastic events take place regularly and are a great way to see true masters of movement in action.
A form of excellence derived directly from the Greeks
The term 'gymnastics' itself derives from ancient Greek and the activity was one way that Greeks honed their physique for physical activity and war. It was a favored approach among both the Spartans and the Athenians. While the Spartans focused on the purely physical and combat orientated aspects of gymnastics, the Athenians re-imagined the practice as something where the mind and body could meet. They were the first to place a greater emphasis on beauty of movement. The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) was founded over a hundred years ago and still guides the global progress of gymnastic to this day. Gymnastic was one of the very first sports to make up the modern incarnation of the Olympics ,and the spectacular routines performed by gymnasts have become synonymous with the concept of the games themselves.
What will you see at gymnastic competitions?
Gymnastics in currently broken into six broad categories. Women's artistic gymnastics is currently the most well-known and popular form. This category is always to first to sell out at Olympic events. It consists of a variety of events, including vault, uneven parallel bars and floor exercise. A true blend of grace, power, control and flexibility, it is not to be missed. Men's artistic gymnastics is based around rings, floor exercise, pommel horse, paralell bars and high bar. It features high flying tricks and incredible displays of dexterous strength. Rhythmic gymnastics is a female only sport where women compete individually or as a 5 person team in a variety of different events. Trampoline is one of the newest additions to the Olympic field. The trampoline significantly boosts the heights that can be achieved and results in some truly gravity defying flips and spins. Power tumbling employs the use of a spring runway and affords an opportunity for long strings of successive tricks. Lastly, acrobatic gymnastics is an event where athletes work together to perform handstands, holds and balances. It is a favorite training for circus performers such as those who perform as part of Cirque du Soleil. Few activities push the boundaries of human ability like gymnastics. The focus, concentration and daring on display is not something one has a chance to see very often. Gymnastics tickets offer an experience fit for all the family and sure to bring a sense of wonder and excitement to your day.
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