Gymnastics is a sport that dates back about 2,500 years to ancient Greece. In the beginning, gymnastics events included rope climbing, tumbling and even rope swinging. It was not until the 1800s that the rings were introduced into gymnastics competition. Today, the rings remain one of the few male-only apparatuses used in Olympic competition. The still rings are a measure of strength and flexibility.
Beginnings
The first rings were used by German gymnasts. They were reportedly first introduced by Adolf Spiel (1810-1858), who used them as part of a swinging apparatus called a "Ringeschwebel." In fact, the first gymnastics "rings" were not really rings at all; instead they were triangularly-shaped handles.
Use in Olympic Games
The rings had been in use for more than 70 years when they were introduced at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, France. At the time, ring movements included holding the arms horizontally to resemble a cross and an inverted position that resembled a handstand.
Skills
Still rings positions or movements are rated A, B, C, D or E--with E being the most difficult. Basic skills include moves such as the uprise, in which the gymnast keeps his arms straight and above the rings. "C"-rated skills include the double layout, in which a gymnast dismounts the rings by doing several rotations, and a two-flip move, in which the gymnast keeps his body completely straight. One of the most difficult, or "E"-rated moves, is a backward roll into a Maltese cross.
Materials Transition
Over time, the rings have been made out of a variety of materials. Some of the earliest rings were made of wood or wicker and rubber. In the 1930s, ring trestles began to be made out of steel, and in the 1950s leather loops were added. Today, the ring tower is 575 cm tall. The steel, leather or plastic cables are 300 cm long and 50 cm apart. Rings are still made of many different materials, but they chiefly consist of a hard plastic resin.
Gymnastic Rings Today
Rings still play a major role in gymnastics. The rings are still a men's-only event because of the extreme upper body strength required. Other events in high school, college and Olympic competition include floor exercise, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars and the high bar.
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