Maintaining an iron cross in gymnastics is a dynamic feat that combines both strength and artistry. To achieve the position, gymnasts must hold themselves for two seconds between two rings while keeping their arms balanced horizontally at a 90-degree angle from the rest of their body. The result is a perfect cross.
Roman Rings
The Romans were the first to use parallel rings to perform athletic feats. Dating back as many as 2,000 years, they used the rings to showcase strength and discipline. Later, Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, a German educator, also known as the father of modern gymnastics, started the world's first gymnastics club in 1809. His goal was to create new ways for students to exercise. Credited with inventing the parallel bars, balance beam, horse and balance beam, Jahn eventually incorporated Roman rings into his program.
Ringeschwebel
In 1842, a Swiss instructor, Adolf Spiel, described a similar apparatus in one of his training plans. He called his device, "ringeshwebel," and rather than using circular rings, Spiel's model contained triangular-shaped handles. Although gymnasts used the device to train and build strength, it was not used in any formal competitions.
Introduction to the Olympics
The rings made their first Olympic appearance at the Paris Games in 1924. Two large rings hung from a wooden platform, challenging competitors to perform new and engaging tricks. Although the iron cross was the first move many athletes mastered on the rings and is still performed today, gymnasts also pushed the envelope with additional moves such as the maltese and inverted cross. The rings are now one of six components of men's gymnastics.
Famous Performances
While competing at the 1924 Olympics, Italy's Francesco Martino was the first gymnast to receive formal recognition for a ring performance. Leon Stukell from Slovenia took home the gold in 1928, and German Eberhard Gienger impressed the judges during the 1971 European Championships with the world's first double-stooping somersault backward dismount. Chen Yibing of China won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
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