Gymnastics is a sport that requires athletes to be incredibly agile, powerful and flexible. It is a sport that has endured for centuries and is a display of incredible physical feats. Tops in gymnastics must be measured in terms of different skills, from the executions of complex routines to the strength and power required to hold difficult positions.
Athletes who are considered tops in gymnastics must display an array of challenges. Execution of skills is a crucial component in the sport, and requires perfect posture, strength, concentration and control. This means that gymnasts must have perfect timing and be able to stick landings, no matter the difficulty of the routine. This includes intricate flips, spins, balances and twists, all of which must be performed with complete composure and concentration. Furthermore, gymnasts must be capable of connecting a routine with more difficult skills, as well as dismounts and combinations.
Strength and power are also very important in gymnastics. Gymnasts are often asked to hold difficult positions for extended periods of time, meaning that they must have incredible upper-body strength. Additionally, floor and vault routines require the athlete to build up a lot of momentum, meaning strong legs are crucial. This power and strength must carry into their core power and stability, as many of the routines ask for extreme balance and control.
Flexibility is another key component in gymnastics. Gymnasts are often asked to twist and flex their bodies in extreme positions and poses. They must have double-jointed flexibility for many of their routines, as well as be prepared to stretch and create intricate shapes during more difficult routines. This type of flexibility requires a lot of training and core development, as many of their poses require vast amounts of strength to maintain.
Competitors who are considered the ‘tops’ in gymnastics, must have perfected all the skills mentioned and more. They must have the mental strength to stay focused, determined and dedicated to their craft. Good gymnasts must practice a lot of patience and be willing to work hard to achieve the perfect execution of skills, as well as overcome obstacles. Furthermore, they must have the talent and natural ability to move their bodies efficiently, as well as be disciplined and composed when performing.
Ultimately, there is no one single factor that makes a gymnast the best competitor. The ‘tops in gymnastics’ is often measured by those who can combine all the crucial elements of the sport and display a spectacular performance. This includes the strength, flexibility and execution of skills, as well as the special performances that must be performed to distinguish themselves from the rest of the competitors.