The gymnastics still rings, also known as the rings, is an apparatus exclusive to male gymnasts. The event requires extreme upper-body strength and precise control of the shoulders and arms. Routines consist of a variety of swings and static holds over 2 meters in the air. The routine ends with an acrobatic dismount, where the gymnast performs multiple, sometimes twisting somersaults.
History
The first rings event was introduced to men's gymnastics in the 1800s. German, Adolf Spieß described them for the first time as Ringeschwebel. Initially the apparatus was introduced as a swinging event and performed on triangular handles. The first international ring event was delayed because officials were undecided on the shape and size of the rings. The rings were often made from wood or iron and varied from 13 to 30 mm in thickness. The apparatus first appeared at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris and has featured in the Olympics since. The current Olympic champion on rings is Chen Yibing, from China, who won the event with a score of 16.600 in Beijing in 2008.
Equipment
Modern competition standard ring equipment has to comply with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Apparatus Norms. The apparatus consists of two circular rings, attached to cables placed 50 cm apart and suspended on a steel frame, which is stabilized by four cables anchored to the floor. The rings have an inner diameter of 18 cm, are made from wood or synthetic material and must hang vertically when still.
Rules and Competition
An Olympic and international routine must consist of an element from each category of moves, which includes swings, holds, strength and an aerial dismount. Advanced gymnasts aiming for high difficulty will include multiple hold and swings, executing a fast-paced and dynamic sequence of skills. The gymnast will be deducted for bends in his arms during static holds, loss of control and excessive swinging during the sequences. He will also be judged, as with all gymnastics events, on posture, shape of handstands and flight in aerial skills. USA Gymnastics states that ideally "the rings should be absolutely still and under control at the end of each skill. The body should be straight with no arching, and arms should be sturdy and strong with no shaking."
Common Skills
Skills commonly performed on the rings include the Iron Cross, where the gymnast holds a cross position, with both arms pressed out horizontally while suspended for at least 2 seconds. He can also perform the Inverted Iron Cross, where the body is over the top of the rings. In the Maltese cross, the gymnast holds his body at ring height and parallel to the floor, with the arms extended horizontally from the body. Handstands and wide arm handstands are often demonstrated, showing control of the shoulders or as part of a swing series.
Safety
The FIG Apparatus Norms state sharp corners and edges and rough surfaces on any area of the equipment are to be avoided. The area below the apparatus must be appropriately matted to absorb the impact of the high level dismounts. While learning new skills gymnasts often use rings suspended above pitted or heavily matted areas to enable safe landings or falls. Additional safety mats can also be used when gymnasts are learning high-level dismounts
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