Gymnastics

Tumbling Gymnastics

Tumbling is the facet of gymnastics that does not make use of any acrobatic apparatus except for an elevated spring-floor mat akin to a runway. Sprinting, the gymnast cartwheels onto the mat, launching into a series of lightning-fast back handsprings and flips. The tumbling event culminates in the final landing, wherein the gymnast must land on his feet and hold position for a few seconds. Gymnasts must be lithe and in top physical condition to perform a tumbling routine, as the athletes often reach heights a few times their body length. The momentum of the initial propulsion sends the gymnast flying down the runway with what seems to be incredible ease, but fluidity should not be mistaken for simplicity; tumbling is said to be one of the most difficult gymnastic events.

Gymnastics Vault

Instrumentally speaking, the vault is a piece of gymnastics equipment rigged with springs, which allows for a significant amount of give and bounce when used. When performing the gymnastics vault, the gymnast sprints for 25 meters towards the vault, touches down on the vault or “table” with the with the palms of the hands, and flip-propels onto a mat, where he must land on his feet and hold his position for three seconds. The vault-flip is a series of rapid rotations and turns, which must be executed properly before the landing. Essentially, the vault requires the utmost concentration and exact positioning, as the event is judged on the aesthetics of the launch and--most importantly--accuracy of the landing.

Gymnastics Balance Beam

The official gymnastics balance beam measures 125 cm high, 5 m long, and 10 cm wide. Mainly used in women’s gymnastics, the balance beam routine is a musical acrobatic regimen, which includes dance poses, leaps, handstands, rolls, and walkovers. Rarely are men seen performing on the balance beam, as a fall could present a detrimental testicular injury. Conversely, women do not perform on the gymnastic rings, as it is assumed that they lack the upper body strength to perform such maneuvers. Worldwide, the accepted routine time for the balance beam runs just under 90 seconds. Gymnasts often make use of hand and foot-wraps (tape) and magnesium powder (chalk) to ensure that they will have optimal traction on the narrow beam. Traction, however, does not prepare the gymnast for the equilibrium she will need to be able to stay afoot after making complicated jumps, twists, and turns.