Men's Artistic
Mens Artistic Gymnastics is one of the 4 Olympic Gymnastics disciplines.
There are 6 pieces of apparatus. In competition, the gymnasts compete on the apparatus in the following order:
Floor Exercise
The gymnasts compete on a square floor area, measuring 12 metres by 12 metres. It is generally made from wood, with foam or rubber blocks giving the floor a sprung feeling. This is then covered by mats and carpet.
Pommel Horse
The Pommel Horse is different to most apparatus in gymnastics in that it requires the gymnasts to rotate horizontally about the hands, whereas other apparatus usually rotate vertically around the hands. The Horse is 105cm from the mats, and has two handles, on which the gymnast performs a variety of circles, scissors flares etc. It is often regarded by some as one of the more difficult apparatus.
Rings
The still rings are often showcased as an example of the strength and power needed to excel at the sport of gymnastics. The rings are made of wood, and are at a height of 255cm, hanging from a frame. The gymnasts perform a series of swings backwards and forwards, as well as amazing feats of strength.
Vault
The Vaulting Table has graduated from the old Vaulting Horse for reasons of safety. The table is at 135cm, and gymnasts have a 25metre run up for the event. Gymnasts can perform various elements on the apparatus, including twisting entrances and exits, and round-off style entrances. The vault requires tremendous speed and power.
Parallel Bars
The Parallel Bars are two wooden bars at a height of 175cm from the matting. The gymnasts perform a variety of swings, and strength elements. Many swing elements incorporate twists to and from handstand, and usually culminates in a somersaulting dismount.
Horizontal Bar
The Horizontal bar is a steel bar 2.5cm thick at a height of 255cm from the mats. It is often regarded as the most exciting of the apparatus to watch. The gymnasts perform a variety of swings backwards and forwards through handstand. They also perform twists, or releases in the air, re-catching the bar.