Taisiia Onofriichuk, a 16-year-old Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast, qualified for the individual all-around final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite the ongoing war in her home country. Onofriichuk’s team had to contend with frequent air strikes and limited training opportunities, but she delivered a remarkable performance, earning a spot in the final with a near-impeccable routine that included a thrilling hoop routine set to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’.
Rhythmic gymnastics, a sport blending ballet, gymnastics, and dance, has historically been dominated by women. This article explores the cultural and institutional factors contributing to its perception as a women’s sport, including societal expectations of femininity, the sport’s emphasis on grace and artistry, and the lack of equivalent men’s events at high-profile competitions.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of artistic and rhythmic gymnastics at the Olympics, outlining the different events, scoring system, and key rules. It also highlights the history of each discipline and its evolution in the modern Olympic Games.
