Rhythmic Gymnastics Preview
Rhythmic Gymnastics Takes the Stage in Athens
Rhythmic gymnastics, a relatively new sport in Olympic Games competition, has added a new twist -- a group competition. Individuals will still compete for an all-around title, and a team champion will be crowned, but new in 1996 will be a group competition, in which five gymnasts perform a routine together. Competition begins 1 August at the University of Georgia Coliseum in Athens, Ga.
In rhythmic gymnastics, there are none of the handsprings, flips and airborne twists that impressed the audience and the judges in the artistic gymnastics competition. Instead, the athletes compete in 90-second routines with the four different pieces of equipment: ball, clubs, ribbon and rope. In the group event, the routines run 2 1/2 minutes and use either five hoops or two ribbons and three balls. Artistry of expression, dance movements, ability with the apparatus and controlled motion will be what the judges are looking for. The judges even watch for an athlete's ability to use both hands with equal skill and grace.
The gymnastics gala, held at the conclusion of the artistic gymnastics competition, gave a glimpse of what to expect in the rhythmic gymnastics competition. Skill and timing are required, such as throwing the ball several meters in the air and executing several dance movements before catching the ball behind the back, with the legs, or behind the head with the upper arms.
Look for veterans such as Maria PETROVA of Bulgaria to take the spotlight in the individual competition. PETROVA has won three straight world titles and was fifth at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. The group competition will be wide-open, because this is the first year of its existence. However, the powers in the sport of rhythmic gymnastics will likely lead the way with Bulgaria, Russia and Spain contneding for group and team medals.
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