The word “gymnastics” makes most Americans think of our superstar tumblers who launch off the vault like a NASA rocket. But there’s another type of gymnastics in the Olympics that doesn’t attract nearly as much attention: rhythmic gymnastics, which was recognized by the gymnastics governing body in 1961 and became an Olympic sport in 1984. While artistic gymnasts like Simone Biles do tricks on an apparatus, the rhythmic gymnasts do tricks with the apparatus. There are five: hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, and rope — although the Olympics includes only the first four. The sport has been dominated by Russia, although the winning streak ended in the individual all-around competition when Israel’s Linoy Ashram snagged the gold in Tokyo.
Why do I prefer rhythmic gymnastics over the artistic division? Well, my appreciation largely stems from my background as a dancer. I sometimes think that the dance moves in artistic gymnastics routines stand out awkwardly when paired with the impressive tumbling passes; the dance choreography can seem like an afterthought, as if the coach threw in the movements just before the competition because those need to be included under the regulations. By contrast, the women never seem to stop dancing beautifully during 75-90 second rhythmic gymnastics routines, allowing for an expressive component throughout the performance. Oftentimes, rhythmic gymnastics routines have a theme or story, which appeals to those of us who enjoy a narrative. While the artistic gymnastics routines tend to all seem similar to the untrained eye due to the shared elements, rhythmic gymnastics routines have a high degree of variation.
Like other Olympians, the rhythmic gymnasts challenge our notions of the human body’s capabilities; they have extreme flexibility that makes us wonder if they have any joints and bones. It is also obvious that rhythmic gymnastics requires significant mental ability and coordination; how else would you catch a small object while spinning upside down with your leg in the air? Of course, the rhythmic gymnasts have their share of injuries, but I find myself at greater ease watching their routines because I don’t have the nagging fear that someone will smash their head open on the beam or break every bone after falling off the bars; it is certainly possible that one wrong rhythmic gymnastics move results in a serious injury, yet there doesn’t seem to be the risk of death as there is in artistic gymnastics and other sports.
Conservatives have wanted to support women’s athletics, and rhythmic gymnastics provides a perfect opportunity. It is one of two women-only Olympic sports. Aside from featuring only female competitors, it is also feminine because the women are not trying to mimic men’s skills; the routines are graceful and poised. For those who haven’t yet been exposed to the beauty and wonder of rhythmic gymnastics, I suggest watching Yana Kudryavtseva’s elegant balances with the ball, Anna Bessanova’s explosive jumps with the ribbon, Linoy Ashram’s exciting juggling with the clubs, and Ganna Rizatdinova’s mesmerizing spins with the hoop. Or, better yet: Watch the events when they begin tomorrow.