The apparatus are often thrown high into the air and caught in risky positions, which requires an extremely high ceiling in the gym for competition. RSG was first recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation in 1962, and the first World Championships was held the following year. It was not until 1984 that RSG was accepted as an Olympic sport for the games in Los Angeles. Up to two rhythmic gymnasts per country can qualify for the Olympics, assuming that they place in approximately the Top 50 at the World Championships during the year preceeding the Olympic Games. To reach the elite levels of RSG competition requires physical conditioning that very few athletes can comprehend.
Rhythmic gymnasts require a complete mastery of body control.
They must have the strength to jump high, and to contract any muscles necessary to redirect their motion. They must be flexible enough to move effortlessly through positions that would be impossible for most people. The coaches of the 1990's are achiving excellent results in the area of flexibility training. And, they are doing it safely.