Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics at the Olympics: A Guide to the Events and Scoring

Artistic gymnastics, one of the original disciplines in the modern Olympic Games, was introduced in 1894. This exhilarating sport challenges gymnasts to perfect their skills across a range of equipment, including the balance beam, uneven bars, vault, and floor exercise.

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

In women’s artistic gymnastics, there are four core events, each demanding balance, precision, and strength. On the

balance beam

, gymnasts perform turns, flips, and jumps on a narrow, elevated beam, testing their balance and control. The

vault

requires competitors to sprint, launch themselves from a springboard, and perform twists and saltos. The

uneven bars

challenge gymnasts’ upper body strength, requiring them to execute swings, twists, and transitions between the low and high bars. Finally, the

floor exercise

combines dance, gymnastics, and drama, with gymnasts performing a 90-second routine to music, showcasing tumbling, leaps, and pirouettes.

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Men’s artistic gymnastics features eight events across six pieces of equipment, showcasing a wide range of skills and athleticism. The

rings

event requires gymnasts to perform strength-based moves while holding onto two rings, defying gravity with impressive poses. The

pommel horse

, a notoriously difficult event, demands gymnasts to use their arms and upper body strength to maintain balance while performing complex leg swings. The

parallel bars

test gymnasts’ upper body strength as they execute swings, flips, and other maneuvers on two parallel bars. The

horizontal bar

challenges athletes to perform swings, turns, and a challenging dismount on a single bar suspended high in the air.

Scoring in Artistic Gymnastics

Gymnasts are evaluated based on two scores: Difficulty (D) and Execution (E). The D score, ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 points per move, is awarded for the complexity of the performed moves. The E score begins at a perfect 10.0, with deductions for any errors or imperfections in execution. The gymnast with the highest combined D and E score wins the individual event. The all-around competition encompasses all the events, and the gymnast with the highest combined score from all events wins the all-around title.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics, a female-only event, made its Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. It showcases athletes’ grace, flexibility, and musicality as they perform with apparatus like ribbons, hoops, balls, clubs, and ropes. Performances are judged based on difficulty (D) and execution (E), with the D score reflecting the complexity of the routine and the E score evaluating the precision and artistry of its execution.

Scoring in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Judges award a D score and an E score, which are combined to determine the final score. The D score is based on elements like leaps, jumps, and use of apparatus, while the E score evaluates the overall execution of the routine, starting with a perfect 10 points. Deductions are made for penalties, which can range from breaking the apparatus to landing heavily on the feet. The final score is an average of the middle three scores awarded by the judges.

In both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, the pursuit of perfection and the constant drive to push boundaries make for captivating performances that capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. The Olympic stage provides the ultimate platform for gymnasts to showcase their talent, strength, and artistry.