Gymnastics has evolved tremendously from its first evidence of the sport traced back to early Greek civilization. Originally, young men were undergoing physical and mental train for warfare naked- or gymnos- which was intended to build a sort of toughness. They raced, lifted weights, and performed floor routines, which were all activities intended to train them for combat. In 1811, Friedrich Ludwig Jahn was credited with leading the gymnastics movement. He was credited with inventing the rings, the parallel bars, the pommel horse, and the vault. Since that time, gymnastics has continued to evolve, especially as athletes pushed the limits in terms of complexity and endurance required to mastering skills of increasing difficulty. Kids who want to learn more will be interested in all of these exciting facts about gymnastics.
Gymnastics Facts for Kids
In a sport that requires an incredible amount of strength combined with extreme flexibility, the number of athletes who compete at the highest level is small. Lots of little tots join classes where they learn how to do summersaults, cartwheels, and other basic tumbling skills. They practice walking across the balance beam and leaping over the vault. Kids may even decide to join a competitive team, often requiring hours of practice in preparation for meet season. Children's books about gymnastics share the experiences of characters who learn valuable lessons about how hard work pays off. Here are some facts about gymnastics to share with your readers who want to learn even more about the history and rules of the sport.
(1) Gymnastics was originally a male-only sport. It wasn't until the 1920s that women were permitted to compete.
(2) The balance beam and the uneven bars are women-only events in the Olympics. Men-only events include the rings, the pommel horse, the parallel bars, and the high bar. Both men and women perform floor routines.
(3) The very first African American gymnast to win the all-around even at the Olympics was Gabby Douglas.
(4) Simone Biles has more skills named after her than any other gymnast.
(5) In 1984, Mary Lou Retton won the very first all-around gold medal for the American team.
(6) Gymnastics was first introduced as an Olympic sport in 1896.
(7) Gymnasts are on the petite side. The average height of a female gymnast is 5' 1' tall.
Explore More Sports Facts Just for Kids