The Basics • One of just two women-only disciplines in the Olympic Games (the other is Synchronised Swimming see below), Rhythmic Gymnastics is a combination of gymnastics and dance. Individual competitors perform short routines to music using hand apparatus – a hoop, a ball, clubs and a rib- bon. Groups perform two routines, one with fi ve balls and the other with three ribbons and two hoops – this provides a fantastic spectacle. Scores are awarded in three categories: diffi culty, artistry and execution.
• During the routines the apparatus must be in con- stant motion, with a variety of moves performed.
Competition dates Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 August
Competition venue Wembley Arena
Top Olympic Brit Francesca Jones
JARGON BUSTER
Hoop – hoops may be made from wood or plastic, must have an inner diameter of 80–90cm and must weigh at least 300g.
Ball – made of rubber or soft plastic, the balls used in Rhythmic Gymnastics must have a diameter of 18–20cm and must weigh at least 400g.
Clubs – gymnasts work with two bottle-shaped clubs of equal length (40–50cm), each weighing at least 150g.
Ribbon – made from satin or similar material, ribbons used in Rhythmic Gymnastics must be 7m long (the fi rst metre is doubled over, so ribbons are effectively 6m long), and are attached to a short cane (50– 60cm) made from wood, bamboo, fi breglass or plastic.
Did you know? Three ironing boards and irons will be used during the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition!
Getting Started Gymnastics is a wonderful sport for children, and can help them develop coordination, strength, balance, fl exibility and so much more. It can also build self- esteem, and improve skills such as self-discipline and concentration. Plus, Rhythmic Gymnastics is a lot of fun for girls with its mixture of dance, gymnastics and fashionable leotards! To fi nd out more visit
www.british-gymnastics.org
SYNCHRONISED
SWIMMING Synchronised Swimming is all about
grace under pressure, as athletes use pinpoint precision and immense stamina to deliver beautiful routines in the pool. Although it looks deceptively graceful from the pool side, Synchronised Swimming is an extremely demanding sport calling for great strength, endurance and fl exibility. Swimmers use nose clips to help them stay underwater for longer, but the sport still requires tremendous breath control. Every detail of the routine is judged and swim- mers must be perfectly synchronised – all eight of them in the Teams event – if they are to score highly.
The Basics • Aided by underwater speakers, duets or teams of eight swimmers perform short routines to a musical accompaniment.
• Judges mark a variety of components during the course of a routine, including choreography, dif- fi culty and execution.
Competition dates Sunday 5 August to Friday 10 August
Competition venue Olympic Park – Aquatics Centre
JARGON BUSTER
Deckwork – the initial movements performed by swimmers after the music starts but before they enter the water.
Eggbeater – powerful way of treading water that allows the swimmer to perform arm movements while staying afl oat.
Scull – underwater hand movements designed to move and support the body in the pool.
Back layout – a position in which the swimmer holds herself fl at and face up on the water’s surface while sculling.
Did you know? Synchronised Swimming began as a sport for men in the 1800s. It is now one of two disciplines on today’s Olympic programme to be contested only by women. The other is Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Getting Started
If you have a daughter who enjoys swimming and dancing then Synchro could be ideal for them. It is important that they are comfortable under water although this can easily be learnt. Synchro is great for strength, fl exibility, toning and confi dence. It is particularly good for body conscious girls as much of the activity takes place under the water. It is also a team sport so is great for social interaction. Even better, you can enrol your daughter in an AquaFun class where they can learn the basics of Synchro- nised Swimming whilst having fun and building water confi dence. To fi nd your nearest AquaFun class, speak to your child’s swimming teacher, contact your local pool or visit
www.swimming.org.
Top: A four women synchronized swimming team performing
USEFUL LINKS Create your own Olympics!
For those of you with younger children, why not create your own Olympics with medals, events and ceremonies. Visit:
www.activityvillage.co.uk/ summer_olympics.htm
for a fabulous ‘how to’ guide!
Take part and raise money! The Youth & Family Gold Challenge is a fantastic initiative where your family can take on Olympic and Paralympic sports and raise money for charity. Suitable for children aged fi ve and above. Visit:
family.goldchallenge.org
Everything you need to know and more can be found at
www.london2012.com and for more information on the sports we haven’t covered, visit:
www.thegamesandbeyond.com WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDES.CO.UK 13
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