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Welcome to the Artistic Gymnastics Beijing 2008 Olympics page.
Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics in which competitors perform short routines which range from 30 seconds to a minute and a half on different apparatus.
Artistic gymnastics is one of the most popular spectator sports at the Olympic Games. However, it is not a particularly popular participation sport, as performing at a basic level requires very high levels of physical fitness and skill. Most are not prepared to commit to the rigorous training schedule. Also, it is a very expensive sport. However, general gymnastics is geared more towards participation for fun and fitness, rather than competition. It attracts a respectable number of participants including retirees.
The apparatus used in Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) and Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) differs greatly. The men's apparatus emphasizes strength whereas the women's apparatus emphasizes balance and agility.
The sport of gymnastics is governed by the Federal Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). The FIG designs the Code of Points and regulates all aspects of international elite competition. Within individual countries, gymnastics is regulated by national federations, such as BAGA in Great Britain and USA Gymnastics in the United States.
Format
In a full elite international competition, the competition is divided into several session: team qualifying, team finals, all-around finals and event finals.
During the team qualifying round (TQ), gymnasts compete with their national squad on all four/six apparatus. The scores from the session are used to determine which teams advance to the team finals. These scores also determine which individual gymnasts advance to the all-around and event finals. The current format of this session is 6-5-4: six gymnasts on the team, five compete, and four of the scores count.
In the team finals (TF), gymnasts compete with their national squad on all four/six apparatus. The scores from the session are used to determine the medalists of the team competition. This format is 6-3-3: six gymnasts on the team, three compete, and all three scores count.
In the all-around finals (AA), the gymnasts are individual competitors. They perform on all four/six apparatus. The scores from this session are used to award the all-around medals. Only two gymnasts from each country may advance to the all-around finals.
In the event finals (EF) or apparatus finals, the top eight gymnasts on each event compete for medals. Only two gymnasts from each country may advance to each EF.
Code of Points
The Code of Points is a document that regulates the scoring of artistic gymnastics. The Code is published by the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG).
Traditionally, the Code has been updated at the end of every Olympic cycle. Major revisions are made to reflect changes in the sport or to delete skills from the Table of Elements and add new skills that have been submitted by gymnasts. Minor changes have often been made following World Championships.
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