What to Expect from Rhythmic Gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics
As the Olympic gymnastics events continue, rhythmic gymnastics is about to take the spotlight. The first competition for this unique sport kicks off on Thursday. Here’s what you need to know about rhythmic gymnastics and what to expect in Paris.
What Is Rhythmic Gymnastics?
Rhythmic gymnastics combines elements of gymnastics and dance, using equipment such as balls, ribbons, hoops, ropes, or clubs. Unlike artistic gymnastics, which focuses on tumbling and strength, rhythmic gymnastics emphasizes artistry, flexibility, and the fluidity of movement.
Athletes perform routines set to music, with each routine lasting between 75 and 90 seconds. Competitors perform in individual and team events. In individual competitions, gymnasts use different equipment in each of four routines, and their scores are combined for an all-around score. In team events, each of the five team members performs routines with specific equipment, and scores are based on both individual performances and team totals.
Scoring in Rhythmic Gymnastics
Scoring in rhythmic gymnastics includes three components:
- Execution Score (E score): Evaluates how well the gymnast performs each move.
- Difficulty Score (D score): Assesses the complexity of the routines and elements.
- Artistry Score (A score): Focuses on the overall grace, presentation, and musicality of the performance.
The sport is exclusively for women, and the performances are judged on how well gymnasts integrate their equipment with dance and choreography.
History of Rhythmic Gymnastics in the Olympics
Rhythmic gymnastics was introduced to the Olympics in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games, initially featuring only individual all-around competitions. The team competition was added in 1996 for the Atlanta Games. Historically, Russia has dominated the sport, winning gold in the individual all-around for 16 consecutive years up until 2020 and securing multiple team gold medals. However, due to the ban on Russian athletes for the Paris Games, Russia will not be competing, which opens up the competition significantly.
Who to Watch
With Russia out of the picture and several top competitors retiring or banned, the field is wide open. Here are some athletes to watch:
- Darja Varfolomeev (Germany): The 2023 World all-around champion and 2022 World silver medalist is a top contender for gold.
- Sofia Raffaeli (Italy): A strong competitor who won the all-around at the 2022 World Championships and secured silver in 2023.
- Daria Atamanov (Israel): The 2022 European all-around champion and 2023 World bronze medalist is also a strong favorite.
For Team USA, Evita Griskenas is the sole representative. She competed in the 2020 Tokyo Games and finished 12th in the all-around qualification. Griskenas will be aiming to improve her standing and potentially break into the top eight in Paris.
Competition Schedule
The first day of competition will feature all-around qualifications, with 26 gymnasts competing for a spot in the final. The top ten will advance to the all-around final. Following this, team qualifications will take place, with 16 countries vying for one of eight spots in the team finals.
As rhythmic gymnastics takes center stage at the Paris Games, it promises to offer exciting performances and fresh talent vying for Olympic glory.
Sunisa Lee Triumphs at the 2024 Paris Olympics After Overcoming Health Struggles
Sunisa Lee, the American gymnastics star, has achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding three more medals to her collection despite facing significant health challenges over the past year.
In December 2023, Lee was bedridden, grappling with severe kidney diseases that caused her weight to fluctuate dramatically, adding up to 45 pounds. The situation was dire, and it seemed uncertain whether she could return to competitive gymnastics. However, her remarkable comeback and resilience were on full display in Paris, where she demonstrated her extraordinary talent and determination.
Lee’s journey to the Olympics was fraught with difficulties. After winning a bronze medal on the uneven bars at the Tokyo 2020 Games, she was determined to top the podium in Paris. Despite not achieving gold, her bronze medal in the same event at the 2024 Games was a testament to her perseverance and skill. Her performance was particularly impressive given the physical and mental hurdles she had to overcome.
For Lee, the uneven bars have become a signature event. The freedom and exhilaration she feels when performing on the bars are profound, a stark contrast to the anxiety she experiences before each routine. Her coach, Jess Graba, believes that Lee’s innate talent and countless hours of practice allow her to perform with a unique sense of freedom and confidence.
Lee’s struggle with kidney disease had a profound impact on her preparation and performance. Her health issues led to significant weight gain and time spent bedridden, which threatened to derail her Olympic aspirations. Nevertheless, Lee and her coach adapted their training strategy to focus on a safer routine, opting for reliability over risk. This pragmatic approach allowed her to secure her spot on the U.S. team and compete effectively despite the setbacks.
Throughout the Paris Games, Lee has proven herself to be among the elite gymnasts in the world. She and her teammates, including Simone Biles, contributed to Team USA’s gold medal in the team final. Lee also earned a bronze medal in the all-around competition, becoming the first reigning Olympic champion to medal at the subsequent Games since Nadia Comaneci in 1980.
The atmosphere in Paris has been a marked contrast to Tokyo. The support from fans and the camaraderie with her teammates have been uplifting for Lee. The cheers of “USA! USA!” and the affectionate shout of “Minnesota Mafia!” from the stands underscored the positive and energetic environment that Lee has embraced.
As Lee continues to compete, she remains focused on the balance beam, an event where her elegance and precision could secure her another medal. Her journey to Paris, marked by overcoming personal and physical challenges, has not only showcased her athletic prowess but also her unwavering determination and resilience.
Lee’s story is a powerful reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, perseverance and support can lead to remarkable achievements. Her performance in Paris not only highlights her skill and dedication but also serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity in pursuit of their dreams.
Suni Lee Wins Bronze in Uneven Bars, Nemour Makes History for Africa
Sunisa Lee earned a bronze medal in the uneven bars final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, successfully defending her podium finish from Tokyo 2020. Lee, the only American in the final, executed a conservative but strategic routine to score 14.800. Her performance secured her place as the first U.S. woman to win two Olympic medals in this event.
Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour made history by winning gold, marking the first Olympic gymnastics medal for both Algeria and any African nation. Nemour, who switched nationalities from French to Algerian, scored 15.700, the highest bar score of the Games. Her victory came amid a contentious dispute with the French gymnastics federation.
Lee, who had faced significant health challenges, including a serious kidney disease that almost derailed her Olympic career, was elated with her performance. Her journey from illness to success highlights her determination and resilience. With her bronze in bars, Lee now focuses on the balance beam, where she aims for her final medal of the Games.