Pommel horse
The pommel horse is an
Apparatus
History
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The apparatus originates from the Romans, who used wooden horses to teach mounting and dismounting. They later added it to the ancient Olympic Games. The basic modern exercises were developed in the early 19th century by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, founder of the German Turnverein.[2]
Dimensions
Measurements of the apparatus are published by the
- Height from top surface to floor: 115 centimetres (3.77 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
- Length at top: 160 centimetres (5.2 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
- Length at bottom: 155 centimetres (5.09 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
- Width at top: 35 centimetres (14 in) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
- Width at bottom: 30 centimetres (12 in) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
- Height of the pommels: 12 centimetres (4.7 in) ± 0.5 centimetres (0.20 in)
- Distance between the pommels: 40 centimetres (16 in) – 45 centimetres (18 in) (adjustable)
Routines
A typical pommel horse exercise involves both single leg and double leg workouts. Single leg skills are generally in the form of scissors. Double leg workout however, is the main staple of this event. The gymnast swings both legs in a circular motion (clockwise or counterclockwise depending on preference) and performs such skills on all parts of the apparatus. To make the exercise more challenging, gymnasts will often include variations on a typical circling skill by turning (moores and spindles), by straddling their legs (Flairs), placing one or both hands on the pommel or the leather, or moving up and down the horse placing their hands on the pommel and/or the leather (travelling). Routines end when the gymnast performs a dismount, either by swinging his body over the horse or going through a handstand to land on the mat. The pommel horse, its gymnastic elements, and various rules are all regulated by the
Pommel horse is considered one of the more difficult men's events.[4] While it is well noted that all events require a certain build of muscle and technique, pommel horse tends to favor technique over muscle. This is because horse routines are done from the shoulders in a leaning motion and that no moves need to be held, unlike other events. Therefore, stress induced in one's arms is reduced, meaning less muscle is needed in this event than events like still rings or parallel bars.
International level routines
A pommel horse routine should contain at least one element from all element groups:[5]
- Single leg swings and scissors
- Circles and flairs, with and/or without spindles and handstands
- Side and cross support travels
- Dismounts
Scoring and rules
As with all events in the
Olympic pommel horse medalists
The most decorated and successful Olympic pommel worker in history is Great Britain's
Three other pommel workers have two Olympic gold medals, and each is considered a legend of the sport; the Soviet Union gymnast Boris Shakhlin. the Yugoslav Miroslav Cerar and the Hungarian master, Zoltán Magyar.
World pommel horse medalists
Pommel horse has been contested at World Championships from their inauguration. The record for most World victories is held by several workers at 3. Three of the four double Olympic champions,
With five global gold medals, 2 silvers and a bronze, Whitlock is the most successful and most decorated pommel worker in the event's history.
Bold numbers in brackets denotes record number of victories.
References
- ^ "Janssen & Fritsen presents: History of the Pommel Horse". Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ^ "pommel horse | gymnastics | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
- FIG. p. II/13. Retrieved 2012-12-01.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Jassen + Fritsen". Retrieved 2012-12-01.[permanent dead link]
- ^ FIG. p. 60. Retrieved 2012-12-01.[permanent dead link]
- FIG. p. 65. Retrieved 2012-12-01.[permanent dead link]