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MEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS
Major events in Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) have been held since 1896, when the sport was included into the Olympic program.
In the sport's early history, the format of gymnastics competitions was not strictly defined, which resulted in many experiments. Such exotic
sports as rope climbing and club swinging were included into the gymnastics competition of the early Olympics. World gymnastics championships
were not an exception: the competition there comprised swimming and some athletics events in 1922 and 1930. Swimming was not competed later,
but athletics fully disappeared from the Worlds only in 1954. Horizontal bar, parallel bars, pommel horse, rings and vault events were competed
since the first Olympics, with the team competition appearing in 1900, the all-around in 1904, and the floor exercise in 1932. The Olympic
program has been fixed in its modern form since 1936.
APPARATUS
Vault
The vault is an event shared by both men and women, with little difference between the two categories. Gymnasts sprint down a runway, which
is a maximum of 25 meters in length, before hurdling onto a spring board. The body position is maintained while "punching" (blocking using
only a shoulder movement) the vaulting platform. The gymnast then rotates to a standing position. In advanced gymnastics, multiple twists
and somersaults may be added before landing. Successful vaults depend on the speed of the run, the length of the hurdle, the power the gymnast
generates from the legs and shoulder girdle, the kinesthetic awareness in the air, and the speed of rotation in the case of more difficult and
complex vaults.
In 2001, the traditional vaulting horse was replaced with a new apparatus, sometimes known as a tongue or table. The new apparatus is more
stable, wider, and longer than the older vaulting horse — approximately 1 meter in length and 1 meter in width, gives gymnasts a larger
blocking surface, and is therefore safer than the old vaulting horse. With the addition of this new, safer vault, gymnasts are attempting far
more difficult and dangerous vaults.
Floor Exercise
Male gymnasts also perform on a 12-meter x 12-meter (40 feet x 40 feet) sprung floor. A series of tumbling passes are performed to demonstrate
flexibility, strength, and balance. The gymnast must also show strength skills, including circles, scales, and press handstands. Men's floor
routines usually have four passes that will total between 60–70 seconds and are performed without music, unlike the women's event.
Rules require that gymnasts touch each corner of the floor at least once during their routine.
Pommel Horse
A typical pommel horse exercise involves both single leg and double leg work. Single leg skills are generally found in the form of scissors,
an element often done on the pommels. Double leg work however, is the main staple of this event. The gymnast swings both legs in a circular
motion (clockwise or counterclockwise depending on preference) and performs such skills on all parts of the apparatus. To make the exercise
more challenging, gymnasts will often include variations on a typical circling skill by turning (moores and spindles) or by straddling their
legs (flares). Routines end when the gymnast performs a dismount, either by swinging his body over the horse, or landing after a handstand.
Still Rings
Still Rings is arguably the most physically demanding event. The rings are suspended on wire cable from a point 5.75 meters off the floor,
and adjusted in height so the gymnast has room to hang freely and swing. He must perform a routine demonstrating balance, strength, power,
and dynamic motion while preventing the rings themselves from swinging. At least one static strength move is required, but some gymnasts may
include two or three. A routine must begin with an impressive mount, and must conclude with an equally impressive dismount.
Parallel Bars
Men perform on two bars slightly further than a shoulder's width apart and usually 1.75 meters high while executing a series of swings,
balances, and releases that require great strength and coordination.
High Bar
A 2.4-centimeter thick steel bar raised 2.5 meters above the landing area is all the gymnast has to hold onto as he performs "giants"
(revolutions around the bar), release skills, twists, and changes of direction. By using all of the momentum from giants and then releasing
at the proper point, enough height can be achieved for spectacular dismounts, such as a triple-back salto. Leather grips are usually used to
help maintain a grip on the bar.
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