Rhythmic Gymnastic

Rhythmic gymnasts compete on a floor area of 13 metres square. A balanced composition is achieved with a balance between the gymnast, the apparatus and the music plus required difficulties. The apparatus must be used in both hands, thrown into the air and kept in constant motion. Rhythmic gymnasts also compete in levels 1-10 or in an international stream.
There are five apparatus in Rhythmic Gymnastics:

Ball

Made of rubber or synthetic material and 18-20cm in diameter must rest in the gymnast's hand and not against the wrist. The elements include rolling, throwing and bouncing. The gymnast must use both hands while showing continuous flowing movement over the whole floor area.

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Hoop

The hoop is made of plastic or wood and is 80-90cm in diameter. Fundamental elements include rotation around the body or hand and rolling. Other elements include swings, circles, figures of eight, throws, passes through and over the hoop.

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Rope

A light and supple rope usually made of hemp or synthetic material. Requirements include leaps over the rope and skipping, as well as swings, throws, circles, rotations and figures of eight.

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Clubs

Characterised by rhythmical tapping, the clubs are made of wood or synthetic material. Fundamental elements include mills and small circles, with other elements such as swings, circles, asymetric movements, throwing and catching. The clubs must be used in both hands and one hand.

Ribbon

The ribbon is six metres in length, used for large, smooth and flowing movements. Fundamental elements include swings, circles, 'serpents' and spirals. It requires a high degree of co - ordination to form the spiral as any knots that accidentally form in the ribbon are penalised.

Russia is the top nation in Rhythmic Gymnastics, followed by Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria and Spain. Look out for Alina Kabayeva from Russia in Sydney this year.