Rings (gymnastics)

The rings or still rings is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is only used by male gymnasts.

Dimensions

Measures of the apparatus are published by the FIG in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

• Point of suspension 5.75 meters above floor
• Height of rings 2.75 meters (including about 20 cm landing mats)
• Distance between the rings 50 cm
• Diameter of the rings 18 cm

Exercise

Amateur gymnast performing an Iron Cross

An exercise on rings consists of swing, strength and hold parts. Generally, gymnasts are required to fulfill various requirements including a swing to held handstand, an aerial dismount, and of course, a static strength hold. More experienced gymnasts will often perform more than one strength element, sometimes swinging into hold positions or even doing different holds back to back. One of the most famous skills done on the rings is the Iron Cross or Crucifix. This is done by extending both arms straight out from the body and holding oneself up in the air for at least two seconds. Other common strength moves include the inverted cross (simply an upside-down iron cross) and the Maltese cross where the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with his arms extended laterally. Swing moves include giant swings from handstand to handstand, somewhat similar to those performed on the horizontal bar. Moves on the still rings are regulated by the Code of Points.

Holds

• Back Lever
• Front Lever
• Crosses : Regular, L-cross, Olympic, Azaryan (cross sequence), Inverted, Maltese, Victorian

Gymnasts who specialized in the Rings discipline

• Jury Chechi
• Albert Azaryan (Azarian)
• Jordan Jovtchev
• Yuri van Gelder

External links

• The 2006 Code of Points
• Apparatus description at the FIG website