Women's Artistic
Vault (VT)
Gymnasts approach the vault table from a 25 metre run, transfer their speed to the springboard and seek a quick hand placement to the table. From here the gymnast uses internal spring to launch themselves vertically for a combination of somersaults and twists. A good vault should have good distance/height and include no steps on landing.
Uneven Bars (UB)
The Uneven Bars consists of two bars with the low bar 170cm in height and the high bar 250cm. The distance between the two bars is set at a maximum of 180cm. Swinging and continuous movements are required on this apparatus. Routines typically include movements in both directions as well as above and below the bars. Elements with twists and somersaults with multiple grip changes and high flight often are awarded with the highest scores.
Balance Beam (BB)
The beam stands 1.25 metres from the floor, is five metres long and only 10cm wide. The gymnast performs a combination of acrobatic elements, leaps, jumps, turns, steps, waves and balance elements. These can be done standing, sitting or lying on the beam. It is a requirement that the gymnast uses the entire length of the beam, with routines concluding with a dismount.
Floor Exercise (FX)
The floor area is 12m x 12m and is spring to allow gymnasts to perform a combination of dance movements and sequences interspersed with a variety of tumbling and acrobatic elements. A floor routine is always accompanied by music and the gymnast must use the whole floor area with clear variances in mood, tempo and direction. Individuality, originality, and artistry are the key ingredients of a great routine.