HISTORICAL AND TECHNICAL EVOLUTION OF BALANCE BEAM EXERCISES IN WOMEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS
Abstract
This article explores the evolution of the balance beam in women’s artistic gymnastics from its 19th-century origins to the modern ultra-difficulty era. Major milestones include apparatus standardization (1934–1960s), Comăneci’s perfect 10 (1976), and Biles’ revolutionary skills post-2006. Current research gaps on rising difficulty and injury risks are identified. Six practical recommendations to FIG are proposed to ensure safer, more artistic, and sustainable development of the event.
Keywords
Artistic gymnastics,Balance beam, Beam evolution ,Women’s gymnastics,Simone Biles,Nadia Comăneci,Perfect 10,Double-double dismount,FIG Code of Points, Difficulty score, Olympic gymnastics, Acrobatic skills, High-risk elements, Gymnastics history, Sunisa Lee, Rebeca Andrade,Mental preparation gymnastics
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