The human body can achieve amazing feats, and sports that challenge its limits demonstrate this well, with gymnastics being a prime example. It’s well-known that gymnastics demands natural ability, extensive effort, and physical training. However, many hidden aspects of the field might surprise you.
1. Some are willing to cope with great pain to reach victory.
Athletes sometimes endure significant pain in gymnastics to secure victories in close competitions. Kerri Strug famously performed a crucial second vault with a severe ankle injury, helping her team win gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Similarly, Fujimoto continued his floor routine with a hidden knee injury in 1976, aiding Japan in winning gold. Both examples highlight the extreme dedication and resilience required in the sport.
2. They can use glue to keep the leotards in place.
To prevent losing points in competitions, gymnasts must ensure their undergarments remain hidden. To address this issue, teams use various strategies. Some choose not to wear underwear, while others apply a special glue to their bodies to keep their suits secure according to Belish.
3. Gymnasts cannot always choose the costume they will wear.
Coaches usually decide on outfits for team competitions, often leaving gymnasts with little input. However, some teams allow gymnasts to help choose outfits that they feel comfortable in. In the qualifying rounds, all team members must wear the same outfit, but for the finals, gymnasts can pick from a selection of costumes.
4. They practice visualization of routines as a form of training.
Olympic gymnast Margarita Mamun recommended that younger athletes spend 1 minute and 30 seconds visualizing their routines before going to sleep. Visualization is a common psychological technique used in gymnastics to improve performance, manage anxiety during competitions, and aid in rehabilitation.
5. Calluses can be helpful.
Calluses aren’t always harmful; in gymnastics, they can be useful. They can signal when something in an athlete’s routine isn’t quite right and needs adjustment.
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6. Even if they retire professionally, most maintain lifelong training routines.
Gymnasts often start training before age 5 and work about 40 hours a week, which helps their bodies adapt to the stress. As a result, many continue some form of exercise after retiring, though training injuries can resurface years later. Oksana Chusovitina, at 47, is the oldest gymnast to compete in the Olympics, a notable exception due to her age. Her impressive performance might be linked to her genetics, as some athletes recover more quickly from physical stress.
7. The wrong hairstyle can cost them points.
Another rule that most athletes follow closely is wearing hairstyles like tight braids, buns, or ponytails. Hair must be kept away from the face to avoid blocking the view and ensure safety. Similarly, wearing earrings or flashy jewelry is not allowed as they are considered hazards.
8. Gymnasts adapt their outfits to the zeitgeist and pay more attention to detail today.
Similar to figure skating, gymnastics routines are designed to showcase the athletes’ outfits. Historically, modesty was the norm, and athletes wore simple costumes. Today’s outfits are cut to make legs appear longer and use bright materials to highlight muscles. Every detail matters, including body type, skin tone, and even the color of the mats, all of which influence the choice of outfit.
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9. There are protocols to follow before and after each routine.
Athletic performance is the core of the sport, but judges also assess if athletes adhere to competition protocols. A routine is judged from the moment the gymnast salutes the judges with both arms raised until she repeats the salute. Additionally, gymnasts, judges, and coaches are prohibited from using electronic devices like cell phones during the competition.
10. Being short may give you some advantages, but not many.
The height of gymnasts is often discussed, with shorter athletes believed to excel due to their better strength-to-weight ratio for rotations. However, success in gymnastics involves more than just height. The sport may naturally attract shorter individuals, similar to how basketball attracts taller players. Heights vary by discipline; rhythmic gymnast Aleksandra Soldatova is 5 feet 7 inches tall, while artistic gymnast Simone Biles is 4 feet 7 inches.
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