CELEBRATING 11 YEARS OF GYMNASTIC EXCELLENCE

1997-2008

Men's Gymnastics Events

FLOOR EXERCISE - Floor exercise is a routine done on a 12 x 12 meter square springboard floor.  The exercise consists of tumbling skills that show the gymnast's ability to combine strength, balance, holding and flexibility movements.  The gymnast's objective is to create a routine that flows rather than one that just demonstrates power.

POMMEL HORSE -  Pommel Horse consists of only two basic skills; the single leg and the double leg circles.  The single leg skill involves scissors and pendulum swings.  In double leg circles the gymnast keeps his legs parallel and does complex turns maintaining balance hand support on the horse at all times.  All three parts of the horse must be used during the routine and the gymnast's movements must be continuous and rhythmical.

STILL RINGS -  The still rings create a display of power and swing.  The rings are suspended from 3 meters of cable resting 2.5 meters above the floor.  The balance of strength and swing movements is created by combining the swing, strength and hold elements with little or no movement of the rings.  The rings also feature spectacular dismounts.

VAULT - The gymnast runs down a 25 meter runway, jumps on a springboard, and hits the horse with both hands.  The first two requirements for a good vault are speed in the run and quickness in getting onto the horse.  The best scores will go to the gymnast who flies higher and farther from the horse, display good form and performs a controlled landing.  The difficulty of the vault is determined by the type of flip or twist performed.  Unlike the women, men only perform a single vault.

PARALLEL BARS -  The parallel bars exercise must consist of swinging and flight parts.  The gymnast can work in different support positions above the bars showing holding and strength movements as well as demonstrate hanging swings below the bars.  He may also include support and swings on only one bar.  His dismount is judged on difficulty, body position, control and landing.

HORIZONTAL BAR -  This event is probably the most spectacular and exciting to watch.  The bar is 2.5 meters (8 feet) high.  The gymnast must perform a continuous swinging routine consisting of such skills as front and back giant swings, swing with dorsal or eagle grips, and hop or flight movements to re-catch the bar.  He must be continually moving and changing direction while going from one skill to another.  He must also execute good rhythm and control throughout his routine as well as during his mount and dismount.

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Date website was last updated: 08/2008