NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY - Third Saturday in September

NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY – Third Saturday in September (1)

NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY

On the third Saturday in September, National Gymnastics Day focuses on a sport the Greeks developed in the 5th century B.C.

That’s right. During the 5th century B.C., gymnastics first emerged as a classical sport. The Greeks developed the practice to strengthen warriors’ skills for battle. Since gymnastics focuses on all the necessary physical traits for hand-to-hand combat, it improves strength, dexterity, and concentration.

Many of the events first exhibited during the Greek Olympics are a part of the competition in the modern Olympics today.

The “father of modern gymnastics” is Friedrich Ludwig Jahn of Germany. In the 1700s, he perfected many of the events that leave the audiences gasping in awe. Some of those events include parallel bars, balance beam, and jumping events.

Both an individual and team sport, gymnastics competitions are found all over the world. Many age and skill levels compete, too. Those who compete at the Olympic level and beyond train several hours daily. To be successful, most start as a young child.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGymnasticsDay

Share stories about celebrated gymnasts, or encourage a gymnast you know. Attend a gymnastic competition near you. Share your experiences in gymnastics. While you’re cheering on your favorite gymnast, be sure to take photos and video. Share them using #NationalGymnasticsDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY HISTORY

Gymnastics Day began in 1998 as a way to encourage gymnasts and bring awareness about the sport.

Gymnastics FAQ

Q. What events do gymnasts compete in?
A. Women and men compete in different events when they compete. Women compete in the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Men compete in six events including floor exercise, still rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar, and pommel horse.

Q. Who are some accomplished gymnasts?
A. Simone Biles, Paul Hamm, Kohei Uchimura, Nastia Liukin, Gabby Douglas, Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, Valeri Liukin, are just a few.

Q. When was gymnastics introduced as an Olympic event?
A. Gymnastics was included as an event at the first Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens, Greece.

DATES
18 September 2021
17 September 2022
16 September 2023
21 September 2024
20 September 2025
19 September 2026
18 September 2027
16 September 2028
15 September 2029
21 September 2030
20 September 2031

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