Gymnastics is one of five sports that have been contested at every summer Olympic Games since 1896. The others are: Athletics, Cycling, Fencing and Swimming.

gymnasts performing at the 1912 Olympic Games gymnasts performing at the 1912 Olympic Games

Events

There are three separate disciplines at the Olympic Games in the sport of gymnastics. They are:

  • Artistic Gymnastics — athletes compete on different apparatus and floor routines in individual and team events.
  • Rhythmic Gymnastics — competitors perform choreographed routines incorporating hand-held apparatus.
  • Trampoline — involves bouncing on a trampoline to heights up to eight meters, while the athletes perform acrobatic movements such as twists and somersaults in mid-air. Points are awarded for difficulty, execution and flight time.

Trivia

  • Club Swinging was an early Olympic gymnastics event, as was tumbling and rope climbing. See more unusual Olympic gymnastics events.