Male Gymnasts Research Articles

KINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE APPROACH RUN ON HANDSPRING VAULT BY HIGH LEVEL MALE GYMNASTS HIGH LEVEL MALE GYMNASTS

The approach run is a fundamental precondition for successful vault performance, as it enables the gymnast to develop maximum controlled horizontal velocity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the length, frequency, and velocity of steps during the run-up phase (approach run) in the execution of the handspring vault on the vaulting table. Nine high-level male artistic gymnasts, who performed the handspring vault under training conditions, volunteered to participate in the study. Five video cameras—four stationary and one scanning—were used to record the run-up phase, the hurdle step, and the take-off from the springboard. The gymnasts performed six trials of the handspring vault with a three-minute rest between each trial. Results showed that the final step was shorter than the penultimate step, and the penultimate step was longer than the preceding step. Additionally, the gymnasts demonstrated a gradual increase in their run-up velocity, a key requirement for a successful jump, up to the penultimate step. The average step frequency among gymnasts ranged from 3.20 to 4.88 steps per second, while the average step velocity across the six attempts was between 4.03 and 7.37 m/sec. Finally, a gradual increase in the gymnast’s velocity was observed up until the last step, with the final step being shorter than the penultimate step and the penultimate step being longer than the one before it.

How does fatigue affect handstand balance? a non-linear approach to study fatigue influence in handstand performance

BackgroundThe handstand is an essential skill in acrobatic sports. This skill requires the athlete to maintain an inverted upright stance with only the hands supported, which requires a great effort of muscular coordination and motor control. Several factors influence the ability to control the posture, including fatigue, which is a bit studied constraint of handstand performance.Research questionWith the aim to find out whether variability in movement control can be an indicator of fatigue, the present study was carried out.MethodFourteen male acrobatic gymnasts were required to perform handstands. The time series for analyzing variability were capturing using Force Platforms, which is a traditional laboratory instrument, and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), which is a more recent and less widely used, but more accessible tool. For this purpose, an analysis of the amount of variability was carried out, using the standard deviation. And analysis of the structure of variability (or complexity), using Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) and Fuzzy Entropy (FuEn).ResultsOur results reveal that fatigue causes significant increases in the amount of variability in the medio-lateral axis on the force platform, and in the IMU located in the area of the L5 vertebra. These changes are accompanied by increased auto-correlation in the medio-lateral axis of the force platform, and more unpredictable behavior in the L5 IMU.

The issue of energy metabolism featues of athletes specializing in virous types of gymnastics

This study examines research conducted by both domestic and international scholars on the training processes of gymnasts across various disciplines. The primary objective is to identify the characteristics of bioenergetic support influencing gymnastic performance. Contemporary research suggests that an athlete's physical capacity is contingent upon several factors, including the nature of motor activity performed during training drills, age, gender, and competitive experience. Statistical analysis demonstrates that drill duration in men's artistic gymnastics ranges from 5 seconds (vault) to 70 seconds (floor exercise), while women's routines vary between 5 seconds (vault) and 90 seconds (balance beam and floor exercise). Callisthenic drills require significantly more time, with duration ranging from 90 seconds (individual events) to 150 seconds (group events). Gymnastic training encompasses a wide age range, typically from 4 to 20 years, most commonly between 9 and 16 years. Notably, many female gymnasts reach their competitive peak during their mid-to-late teens, while males typically peak around 20 years old. The research indicates a proportional increase in training duration and intensity alongside age and competitive level. Studies investigating energy consumption in male artistic gymnasts reveal the highest consumption during floor exercises, followed by vault, still rings, horizontal bar, and parallel bars. Similarly, floor exercise consumes the most energy in women's artistic gymnastics, followed by bars, balance beam, and vault. Furthermore, research suggests that anaerobic energy support dominates during vault, pommel horse, parallel bars, and still rings exercises, while aerobic mechanisms underpin floor exercises and callisthenics. Notably, oxidative metabolism appears to have minimal direct impact on competitive callisthenic performance but plays a crucial role in glycogen conservation during extended, intensive training sessions for elite female gymnasts.

The Effects of Single and Dual Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Motor and Cognitive Functions in Male Gymnasts

Background: The better performance of elite athletes than others may be due to their better mental and psychological advantages. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an attractive technique to improve the physical and mental functions in recent years. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of single and dual tDCS of M1 and DLPFC regions on motor and cognitive functions in male gymnasts. Methods: Sixteen male gymnasts (age mean = 21.70 ± 0.66 years) who were selected randomly, exposed to 4 different intervention conditions in 4 separate sessions with a one-week interval between the sessions, including (1) anodal stimulation of the M1 area; (2) anodal stimulation of the left DLPFC area; (3) simultaneous stimulation of M1 and DLPFC areas; (4) sham stimulation. After ensuring the normal distribution using shapiro-whilk test, gathered data were analyzed with two- way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed that single and dual tDCS of M1 and DLPFC regions had a significant effect on improving bimanual coordination, eye-hand coordination, reaction time, working memory, and selective attention of male gymnasts. Also, considering the observed effect size, the M1& DLPFC stimulation condition had a greater effect than other stimulation conditions. Conclusions: Based on present findings coaches and sports physiologists can improve the performance of their athletes with inclusion single and dual tDCS into their training routines.

Sport and longevity: an observational study of international athletes.

The human lifespan is influenced by various factors, with physical activity being a significant contributor. Despite the clear benefit of exercise on health and longevity, the association between different types of sports and lifespan is yet to be considered. Accordingly, we aimed to study this association in a large international cohort of former athletes using a robust linear regression model. We collected data on athletes from public sources, accumulating a total of 95,210 observations, 95.5% of which were accounted for by males. The dataset represented athletes born between 1862 and 2002 from 183 countries across 44 sports disciplines. We calculated the change in lifespan by measuring the difference in age between athletes and the corresponding reference populations, while accounting for variations caused by sex, year of death, and country. The results revealed that various sports impacted lifespan differently, with male athletes being more likely to experience benefits from sports than female athletes. Among male athletes, pole vaulting and gymnastics were linked to the highest extension in lifespan (8.4years, 95% CI [6.8, 9.9] and 8.2years, 95% CI [7.4, 9], respectively), while volleyball and sumo wrestling were the most negatively associated with lifespan (- 5.4years, 95% CI [- 7, - 3.8]; - 9.8years, 95% CI [- 11, - 8.6], respectively). The association between lifespan and popular team sports in males was positive for cricket, rowing, baseball, water polo, Australian rules, hurling, lacrosse, field hockey, minimal for rugby, canoeing and kayaking, basketball, gridiron football, and football (soccer), and negative for handball and volleyball. Racquet sports (i.e., tennis and badminton) exhibited a consistent and positive association in both male and female athletes, as shown by an extended lifespan of up to 5.7years in males (95% CI [5, 6.5]) and 2.8years in females (95% CI [1.8, 3.9]). Although lacking conclusive evidence, we theorize that the observed results may be attributed to the aerobic and anaerobic characteristics of each sport, with mixed sports yielding the maximum benefits for the lifespan. While results from female athletes should be cautiously interpreted, our study highlights the complex interplay between sports and lifespan and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the multifaceted relationship between physical activity and human longevity.

Assessment of eating disorder symptoms, compulsive exercise, body dissatisfaction and depression in Swedish national team gymnasts, with a one-year follow-up

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore changes in symptoms of eating disorders, compulsive exercise, and depression, between two assessments 12 months apart, among elite gymnasts.MethodFactors related to the development of mental health symptoms in male and female Swedish national team gymnasts were investigated using baseline and 1-year follow-up scores in two subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory 3; drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction, two subscales of the Compulsive Exercise Test; avoidance and rule-driven behavior and exercise for weight control, and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self report (MADRS-S). Linear mixed models were used to investigate the influence of drive for thinness, exercise for weight control, avoidance and rule-driven behavior, and MADRS-S on body dissatisfaction.ResultsBody dissatisfaction increased from baseline to the follow-up assessment, while drive for thinness and depression remained stable. Symptoms of eating disorders and depression were generally low in this group of elite gymnasts at both assessments. Drive for thinness, exercise for weight control, and symptoms of depression were associated with body dissatisfaction.DiscussionOur findings indicate that there were no significant changes over time in eating disorders and depression symptoms but significant associations with body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, we found independent effects of drive for thinness, exercise for weight control and symptoms of depression for body dissatisfaction.

Acute inflammatory response following lower-and upper-body Wingate anaerobic test in elite gymnasts in relation to iron status.

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is one of the most demanding sports disciplines, with the athletes demonstrating extremely high levels of explosive power and strength. Currently, knowledge of the effect of gymnastic training adaptation on exercise-induced inflammatory response is limited. The study aimed to evaluate inflammatory response following lower- and upper-body high-intensity exercise in relation to the iron status in gymnasts and non-athletes. Methods: Fourteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EAG, 20.6 ± 3.3years old) and 14 physically active men (PAM, 19.9 ± 1.0years old) participated in the study. Venous blood samples were taken before and 5min and 60min after two variants of Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), upper-body and lower-body WAnT. Basal iron metabolism (serum iron and ferritin) and acute responses of selected inflammatory response markers [interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor α] were analysed. Results: EAG performed significantly better during upper-body WAnT than PAM regarding relative mean and peak power. The increase in IL-6 levels after upper-body WAnT was higher in EAG than in PAM; the opposite was observed after lower-body WAnT. IL-10 levels were higher in EAG than in PAM, and tumour necrosis factor α levels were higher in PAM than those in EAG only after lower-body WAnT. The changes in IL-10 correlated with baseline serum iron and ferritin in PAM. Discussion: Overall, gymnastic training is associated with the attenuation of iron-dependent post-exercise anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Comparison of the mental toughness among National and International level artistic male gymnasts

Comparison of the mental toughness among National and International level artistic male gymnasts

Effects of Intensive Training on Sitting Height Growth between Age 14-17 Among Male Professional and Non-Professional Gymnasts

This study was to explore the effects of intensive training on sitting height growth between professional and non-professional gymnasts. The study contained both groups; 40 professional and 40 non-professional male artistic gymnasts. Professional gymnasts experienced a lower rise in sitting height growth (SHG) following rigorous training (RT) intervention than non-professional gymnasts. Professionals' mean and SD scores for the pre-test and post-test were 80.99 ±9.06 and 80.73 ±12.98, respectively. The mean difference -0.26% for both tests and the p>0.91 suggests that the differences are statistically significant. Non-professional mean and SD scores for the pre and post-tests were 80.28±9.14 and 82.87±5.83, respectively. The tests also showed a mean difference of 2.59% in both cases, and p<0.01 indicated that the differences were statistically significant. The finding, in comparison to non-professional groups, the SHG of male artistic gymnasts (ages 14–17) was more adversely impacted by RT in professional gymnasts.

RAZLOGI ZA PREKINITEV ŠPORTNE POTI ODRASLIH ARMENSKIH ORODNIH TELOVADCEV

Abstract The information about the reasons for sports career (SC) termination among athletes is of significant importance, as it provides a theoretical foundation to prevent early withdrawal. A sociological survey was conducted among 76 former male artistic gymnasts who have ended their careers to determine the causes of SC termination. As a result, 11 different reasons for SC termination were identified. The most frequent reasons include sports injuries (35.52%), mandatory military service (31.57%), and employment (25.0%). The least mentioned reasons are coach-related issues (5.26%), health problems (2.63%), and age (2.63%). The survey offers a broader understanding of why Armenian athletes terminate their sports careers. This insight will enable the governing bodies of Armenian gymnastics and sports to provide targeted assistance to adult artistic gymnasts, helping to prevent early withdrawal in the future.

SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF GYMNASTS AND THE INFLUENCE ON APPARATUS PERFORMANCE

While rules and elite gymnasts have evolved, some anthropometric characteristics still differ from the general populations. This study aims to find the anthropometric factors affecting apparatus scores in men's and women's gymnastics. A total of 62 competitors, 25 female gymnasts and 37 male gymnasts, from 22 countries competed in the World Cup. Scores on the men's and women's all-around apparatus and the competitor's anthropometric characteristics formed the sample of variables. According to the results, the D-score in women's gymnastics is influenced by BMI (p< 0.005). The ideal lower BMR (kcal) and BMI levels are also on the floor (p< 0.005). In men's gymnastics, the variable FAT% should be lower for a higher D-score for floor (p< 0.005) and BMR (kcal) for pommel horse (p< 0.005).

Biomechanical Features of the Double Back Tuck on the Floor Exercises in Gymnastics in Male Artistic Gymnastics

This study aims to identify the characteristics of the takeoff and landing in the round off performance followed by followed by a double back tuck. One gymnast participated in this study, and the data was captured using an camera at a speed of 240 fps and perpendicular to the plane of movement. Data were extracted using the analytical software SkillSpector and Kinovea. The data revealed that the vertical velocity, which was when takeoff (5.9 m/s). This was evident at the maximum height of the center of mass, which was measured (2.3 m). The higher values for the maximum height of the center of mass were the result of a combination of several performance factors, such as the contact angle and the takeoff on the floor with horizontal and faster leg extension. The horizontal velocity at contact was (5.7 m/s) and decreased to (-2.5 m/s) at takeoff. The results of the study indicate that the double back tuck movement involves a reduction in horizontal velocity and an increase in vertical velocity. This is because the horizontal velocity is converted into vertical velocity to raise the body to a great height so that the gymnast can get the time required to execute the skill while flying in the air. The leg muscles also played the dominant role in takeoff and landing through contact angles and takeoff and landing.

The Influence of Rigorous Training on Physical Growth Between Ages 14-17 among Professional and Non-Professional Gymnasts

The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of rigorous training on physical growth (PG) between age 14-17 among professional and non-professional gymnasts. The study included two groups; 40 professional and 40 non-professional male Artistic gymnasts. The mean difference between both groups shows that the increase in height of professional gymnasts after intervention is less than that of non-professional gymnasts. Professionals in pre-test and post-test which indicates mean and SD scores was found 159.31 ±9.85 in pre-test and 159.94±9.86 in post-test along with Mean % Dif. (0.63) in both tests and p <0.001 indicate that the difference is statistically significant in both pre & post-tests. Overall results show that PG of male artistic gymnasts (age 14-17 years old) was more negatively affected by RT in professional gymnasts as compare to non-professional groups.

Upper and lower limb impact loading during artistic gymnastics foundation floor tumbling skills

AbstractThe floor apparatus is associated with the highest rate of injury for male and female gymnasts in training and competition. This study aims to determine the magnitude of the upper and lower body impact loading when performing foundation floor tumbling skills and sequences. Fourteen sub‐elite artistic gymnasts (male, n = 9; female, n = 5) performed eight tumbling skills and sequences while wearing four inertial measurement units (IMU; upper back, lower back, forearm, and tibia). The peak resultant acceleration (PRA) during all ground contacts was calculated. The forearm and upper back PRA were analyzed for hand contacts, while the lower back and tibia PRA were analyzed for foot contacts. Descriptive statistics (median and inter‐quartile range), Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Friedman's ANOVA were calculated between IMU positions and gymnastics skills. Distal IMUs (forearm and tibia) recorded significantly higher loading than proximal IMUs (upper and lower back) for all ground contacts. Proximal IMUs experienced dampening due to shock attenuation properties of the human body, as these positions are located further away from the impact site. Additionally, some foundation skills exposed gymnasts to higher loading when the skill was performed separately, while other skills exposed gymnasts to higher loading when the skill was performed in a tumbling sequence. Training foundation skills separately and as a part of a tumbling sequence exposes the upper and lower body structures to high levels of impact loading. These results can be used by coaches to help in the design of safe training programs.

Determining Physiological and Energetic Demands during High-Level Pommel Horse Routines Using a Modified Method Based on Heart Rate-Oxygen Uptake Functions.

This study aimed (1) to assess the validity of a modified method (Mmod) based on heart rate (HR)-oxygen uptake (VO2) regression functions to calculate total energy costs (Wtotal) and aerobic (Waer) and anaerobic alactic energy contribution (Wpcr) and (2) to analyse the physiological and energetic demands of high-level pommel horse routines (PH routines). The Mmod was developed because VO2 measurements are limited during high-level PH routines. Answering Part 1, nine male artistic gymnasts performed a PH routine where energy costs were calculated from VO2 measurements and then compared with energy costs determined from the HR- VO2 regressions of Mmod's two additional tests. Using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Deming regression, Waer (CCC = 0.955), Wpcr (CCC = 0.999), and Wtotal (CCC = 0.990) show substantial to almost perfect validity without constant or proportional bias. Data from eight further gymnasts performing a high-level PH routine and a graded exercise test (GXT), as well as four data sets from Part 1, were used to determine physiological and energetic demands using Mmod. VO2 and HR during PH routines reached 86.1% and 90.4% of the maximal values during GXT. Wpcr was 47.0%, anaerobic lactic energy contribution (Wblc) was 29.7%, and Waer was 23.3% of Wtotal required during PH routines. Summarising the energetic demands of high-level PH routines, they are mainly anaerobic, where Wpcr provides the largest energy share. Waer provides a substantial part of Wtotal and should therefore also be specifically trained.

Abnormal Wrist Sagittal Kinematics in Gymnasts With Dorsal Wrist Pain: A New Syndrome

Background: The pathology of dorsal wrist pain in gymnasts without abnormal radiographic findings remains unclear. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to identify abnormal wrist sagittal kinematics in gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain. It was hypothesized that gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain would show abnormal sagittal kinematics with reversible hypermobility of the intercarpal joint. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Participants included 19 wrists in male gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain, 18 wrist in male gymnasts without wrist pain, and 20 adult men without a history of wrist pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted sagittal images) findings at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of wrist extension were used in kinematic analysis. The angles and translations of the radiolunate, capitolunate, and third carpometacarpal joint were measured and compared between the 3 groups. Results: At 90° of wrist extension, gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain had a significantly lower radiolunate joint angle (28.70°± 6.28° vs 36.19°± 7.81°; P = .020) and a significantly higher capitolunate joint angle (57.99°± 6.15° vs 50.50°± 6.98°; P = .004) and distal translation (1.17 ± 0.50 mm vs 0.46 ± 0.62 mm; P = .002) than gymnasts without dorsal wrist pain. Conclusion: Gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain showed abnormal wrist sagittal kinematics. These novel findings may facilitate understanding of dorsal wrist pain, which can be recognized as a new syndrome termed “gymnast’s lunate dyskinesia.”

Rib pseudoarthrosis with thoracic outlet syndrome in pediatric gymnast: a case report

BackgroundThis case study evaluates the diagnosis and treatment of a 12 year old Caucasian male gymnast who had several diagnoses including an isolated first rib fracture, resultant pseudoarthrosis of the first rib, and the development of symptomatic thoracic outlet syndrome. We discuss the causes, prevalence, and suggestions for prompt diagnosis and treatment of these conditions in pediatric patients. Although all three conditions are rare in a child, this case highlights the importance of having a high clinical index of suspicion in recurrent pain in pre-pubertal athletes.Case presentationA 12 year old Caucasian male underwent several years of conservative treatment with physical therapy and rest without resolution of his left shoulder pain. He was subsequently diagnosed with pseudoarthrosis of the first rib and thoracic outlet syndrome, which was curative by surgical removal of the first rib, and allowed him to return to his baseline activity level.ConclusionsSince each of these diagnoses are rare, especially in the pediatric population, we aim to educate the medical community on the prompt diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Achilles tendon and triceps surae muscle properties in athletes

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate internal Achilles tendon (AT) displacement, AT shear wave velocity (SWV), and triceps surae (TS) muscle shear modulus in athletes.MethodsInternal AT displacement was assessed using ultrasound during isometric contraction. Shear wave elastography was used to assess AT SWV (m × s–1) at rest and TS muscle shear modulus (kPa) during passive ankle dorsiflexion.ResultsA total of 131 athletes participated in this study. Athletes who had not exercised within two days had greater AT non-uniformity and mean anterior tendon displacement, and lower SWV at the proximal AT measurement site (mean difference [95% CI]: 1.8 mm [0.6–2.9], p = 0.003; 1.6 mm [0.2–2.9], p = 0.021; – 0.9 m × s–1 [– 1.6 to – 0.2], p = 0.014, respectively). Male basketball players had a lower mean AT displacement compared to gymnasts (– 3.7 mm [– 6.9 to – 0.5], p = 0.042), with the difference localised in the anterior half of the tendon (– 5.1 mm [– 9.0 to – 1.1], p = 0.022). Male gymnasts had a smaller absolute difference in medial gastrocnemius-minus-soleus shear modulus than basketball players (59.6 kPa [29.0–90.2], p < 0.001) and track and field athletes (52.7 kPa [19.2–86.3], p = 0.004). Intraclass correlation coefficients of measurements ranged from 0.720 to 0.937 for internal AT displacement, from 0.696 to 0.936 for AT SWE, and from 0.570 to 0.890 for TS muscles.ConclusionThis study provides a reliability assessment of muscle and tendon SWV. The relative differences in passive TS muscle shear modulus suggest sport-specific adaptation. Importantly, in healthy individuals, lower AT displacement after exercise may reflect the time required for tendon recovery.

Run-up speed and jumping ground reaction force of male elite gymnasts on vault in China

BackgroundA high run-up speed and a big jumping ground reaction force are crucial to perform difficult movements and improving the quality of movement performance in the competition vault. However, the relationship between performance in the competition vault and run-up speeds, as well as jumping ground reaction force, still needs to be discovered in detail. ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the interrelations between different run-up speeds and jumping ground reaction force, and to explore the different requirements of performing different vault styles as well as difficult movements on run-up speed and jumping ground reaction force. MethodsThe data, including vaulting run-up speed and jumping ground reaction force of 30 Chinese male elite gymnasts of performance testing, were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the pedaling run-up speed between the Front handspring types and Cartwheel types (p > 0.05). The comparison between interval run-up speeds revealed that the last 5 m run-up speeds were faster during the 25 m run-up distance, and 30 m sprint speed was strongly associated with the 25 m vaulting run-up speed of Handspring and Cartwheel (r = 0.81, p < 0.01). There are significant differences in the jumping ground reaction force of different types and difficult movements (p < 0.01). When the D-score is greater than 4.6, the jumping ground reaction force will increase significantly. Jumping ground reaction force was strongly correlated with 25 m run-up speed (r = 0.715, p < 0.01), last 5 m run-up speed (r = 0.718, p < 0.01), and 30 m sprint speed (r = 0.704, p < 0.01) respectively, but not significantly associated with last 10-5 m run-up speed as well as before the last 10 m run-up speed (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe special requirement for run-up speed and jumping ground reaction force may vary as the difficult vault. Moreover, the optimization of interval run-up speeds and improvement of the 25 m run-up speed may contribute to the bigger jumping ground reaction force and increase the potential to perform more difficult Handspring/Cartwheel vaults. The topic may merit an interventional study to optimize run-up rhythm and improve lower limb strength for achieving higher run-up speeds and bigger jumping ground reaction force within the limited run-up distance to perform more difficult vaults for male elite gymnasts in China.

ANALYZING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GYMNAST'S STATURE AND MEDAL PERFORMANCE ON APPARATUSES IN MEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS

In order to achieve success in sports, certain physical fitness characteristics are necessary. This study aims to determine whether a relationship exists between the height of male gymnasts who have won medals in the World Championships and Olympic Games in Artistic Gymnastics, and the apparatus on which they achieved those medals. Competitions in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics at World Championships and Olympic Games are held in six apparatuses for individuals: floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. Each apparatus follows specific rules for evaluating gymnastics routines. Airborne acrobatics dominate on floor and vault, while support holds prominence on pommel horse and parallel bars, and hanging manoeuvres characterize rings and the high bar. While a gymnast’s body height influences all forms of gymnastics, the question remains: who can rise to the top on each apparatus? Within the scope of the research, the results between the years from 2009 to 2021 were examined. In this context, data from three Olympic Games (2012, 2016 and 2020) and nine World Championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019) were used. The heights (251 sets of data) of the gymnasts who won medals in these competitions were evaluated. While the shortest of the medal-winning gymnasts was 150cm tall (floor exercise and pommel horse) and the tallest 183cm (floor exercise and horizontal bar), the average height of the medal-winning gymnasts was 164.67cm (± 6.12). There is statistically significant difference between the heights of the gymnasts who won medals on apparatuses (p&lt;0.05).