OLYMPIC GYMNASTICS.

The Olympic gymnastics (now known as artistic gymnastics, to differentiate it from the rhythmic gymnastics) is a sport that is part of the programme of the Olympic Games. The Greeks believed that the unity of mind and body could be achieved only through participation in physical exercises. In 1881 he founded the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG). It was first included as an Olympic event in 1896 (the only branch manly). The branch of the women's gymnastics was incorporated until 1928. In the Olympic program and there are powers for individual teams (known as "all around" in competing the 36 best gymnasts from each branch, which are classified on the basis of qualifications obtained in the individual competition for teams). There are also the "final apparatus" In the women's branch, the gymnasts performed routines 4 devices: jump horse, asymmetric bars, balance beam and floor. In the branch manly, gymnasts compete in 6 devices: jump horse, with arzones horse, parallel bars, bar sets, rings and floor. It is a very complete sport developed because virtually all body skills: strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, speed, strength, etc., even recreational level. However, if we want to reach a level of high performance practice must start at a very young age and good teaching methods and technique, as it is a very demanding sport. For example, a gymnast like Nadia Comaneci (the most famous of all) to compete for the first time in Olympics at age 15 and had 10 or more years practicing gymnastics. Currently some girls begin practicing gymnastics since 3 years (with simple exercises and games that would allow them to go to develop certain skills), however, must be 16 years of age in order to participate in Olympic Games.