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2008 Olympics>Previews
UPDATED: August-7-2008  
Gymnastics
 

Origin

When gymnastics began in ancient Greece more than 2,000 years ago, the gymnasium was the centre of cultural activity. Men gathered there not only to practise sport, but to understand art, music and philosophy. The Greeks believed symmetry between the mind and body was possible only when physical exercise was coupled with intellectual activity.

Today, gymnastics is often termed the ultimate combination of sport and art, but the idea is nothing new. Plato, Aristotle and Homer heartily advocated the strengthening qualities of gymnastic activity. It is a philosophy that can be found in much of their work.

The term "artistic gymnastics" emerged in the early 1800s to distinguish free-flowing styles from the techniques used by the military. Although viewed as a novelty by many, gymnastics competitions began to flourish in schools, athletic clubs and various organisations across Europe in the 1880s. When the Olympic movement was resurrected at Athens in 1896, gymnastics made a fitting return.

(BOCOG)

Preview for Team China

High hopes are placed on the men's team winning at least five golds in team competition, individual all-around, pommel horse, rings, and parallel bars.

Taking the gold medal in the men's team competition, according to Huang Yubin, head coach of the Chinese national team, is their foremost task to "avenge humiliation at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games", for they finished 5th in the men's team final and won only one gold medal on the men's pommel horse.

The women's team has at least three potential gold medals in the vault, balance beam and floor exercises.


More Cities >>

1

CHN

51 21 28 100
2

USA

36 38 36 110
3

RUS

23 21 28 72
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