The history and global spread of rhythmic gymnastics

The group all-around competition, introduced in 1996, showcased teamwork and synchronized routines, increasing the sport’s global popularity.

Japan’s group, nicknamed 'Fairy Japan,' has consistently ranked high in World Championships since 1971, contributing to the sport’s global spread.

Rhythmic gymnastics emphasizes artistry, combining dance, flexibility, and apparatus manipulation, with a focus on aesthetic expression over acrobatics.

Russia has been the dominant force, winning 10 Olympic golds since 1984, with athletes like Evgeniya Kanaeva and Margarita Mamun.

Lori Fung from Canada won the first Olympic individual all-around title in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games, marking a non-European victory.

Bulgaria developed a distinct school of rhythmic gymnastics in 1951, focusing on risk and aesthetics, producing the famous 'Golden Girls' in the 1980s.

The rope was phased out of Olympic competitions after 2008, with hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon remaining in use.

Rhythmic gymnastics debuted at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics with the individual all-around event, followed by the group event in 1996.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) recognized rhythmic gymnastics in 1962, with the first World Championships held in 1963 in Budapest.

Rhythmic gymnastics was established as a sport for girls at the Soviet Union's High School of Artistic Movement in 1932, with the first competition held in Leningrad in 1939.