Rhythmic gymnastics is a type of gymnastics that emerged based on body movements inspired by ballet and theatrical dance. This practice requires a combination of art, creativity and physical fitness, and its routines must be performed in perfect sync with the music. In this article, you’ll learn more about the sport, as well as meet the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today!
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today are!
Biggest names in Rhythmic Gymnastics today: historical context
Also known as Rhythmic Gymnastics, this discipline was recognized in 1962 as an essentially female sport by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
Consequently, only women take part in competitions, both in individual and team performances.
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics and dance, performed to music and using apparatus such as rope, hoop, ball, mallets and ribbon.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today are!
Its origins date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Swedish and German gymnastics began to incorporate artistic movements.
However, it was in the Soviet Union, during the 1940s, that rhythmic gymnastics began to be structured as a competitive sport.
The first official competition took place in 1948 in Moscow, and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) officially recognized the sport in 1962.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today are!
Rhythmic gymnastics debuted at the Olympic Games in 1984 in Los Angeles, initially with only women’s competitions.
Biggest names in Rhythmic Gymnastics today: competition rules
There are only two categories in rhythmic gymnastics: the individual all-around and the team all-around. In the all-around, five gymnasts perform as a group.
In the individual, the athletes compete on four different apparatuses (such as hoop, ball, ribbon and mallet), while in the all-around, the gymnasts use two apparatuses, which vary every Olympic cycle.
The gymnasts must perform routines lasting 1 to 1.5 minutes (individual) or 2 to 2.5 minutes (all-around), incorporating a series of compulsory elements such as jumps, spins and flexibility movements, synchronized to music.
Scoring is based on difficulty, execution and artistry, with penalties for technical errors, falls from apparatus or lack of synchronization.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today are!
Biggest names in Rhythmic Gymnastics today (male names – world)
Men’s rhythmic gymnastics, although less widespread, is gaining ground and recognition. Today’s leading names include:
Yeon Jae Son (South Korea)
One of the pioneers of men’s rhythmic gymnastics, known for his elegant performances and refined techniques.
Aleksandr Buklov (Russia)
He stands out for his strength and precision and is one of the favorites in international competitions.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today are!
Biggest names in Rhythmic Gymnastics today (male names – Brazil)
In Brazil, men’s rhythmic gymnastics has also been developing. Some of the main athletes are:
Lucas Barbosa
A young talent who has excelled in national competitions and is seeking international recognition.
Rafael Silva
Known for his creativity and innovative routines.
Biggest names in Rhythmic Gymnastics today (female names – World)
Women’s rhythmic gymnastics is dominated by athletes from countries with a tradition in the sport, such as Russia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Today’s biggest stars include:
Dina Averina (Russia)
A multiple world champion, Dina is known for her impeccable technique and challenging routines.
Arina Averina (Russia)
Dina’s twin sister, Arina is also one of the world’s leading gymnasts, with a career full of titles.
Linoy Ashram (Israel)
The first Israeli gymnast to win a world title, Linoy is celebrated for her expressive and innovative performances.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics today are!
Biggest names in Rhythmic Gymnastics today (female names – Brazil)
On the Brazilian scene, some gymnasts have stood out and represented the country in international competitions:
Natália Gaudio
A veteran of the Brazilian team, Natália has a solid career and is one of the country’s leading gymnasts.
Barbara Domingos
A young talent who has shown great potential and achieved good results in international competitions.
Which athletes have a chance of medaling at the 2024 Olympic Games
For the 2024 Olympic Games, some gymnasts are considered medal favorites:
- Dina Averina and Arina Averina: remain the favourites, with great technical mastery and experience.
- Linoy Ashram: the Israeli has shown consistency and could spring a surprise in Paris.
- Sofia Raffaeli (Italy): one of the young promises of world rhythmic gymnastics, with a great chance of a medal.
In Brazil, Natalia Gaudio and Barbara Domingos are looking to improve their performances and try to reach an Olympic final, which would already be a great achievement for Brazilian rhythmic gymnastics.
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines technique, art and music in a unique way. With a rich history and evolution, the sport continues to delight and challenge athletes around the world.
The 2024 competitions have been a spectacle in themselves, with emerging and established talents competing for a place on the podium.
For Brazil, participation and growth on the international stage are positive signs of a promising future in rhythmic gymnastics. Ready to follow the sport at the Olympics?
Now that you know who the biggest names in rhythmic gymnastics are, read on:
