Let’s Celebrate Gymnastics!

National Gymnastics Day is September 17 this year and gymnasts throughout the United States are gearing up to celebrate. Gymnastics in the U.S. has never been better with the Final Five fresh from Rio decked out with medals galore. Check out the social media contests sponsored by USA Gymnastics, and then take a moment to learn where it all started and how gymnastics has come so far.

Where Gymnastics Began

Tumbling seems to come naturally to humans. Depictions of tumblers have been found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese stone carvings. However, the first known structured use of various physical exercises occurred in ancient Greece when activities including running, swimming, throwing, wrestling, and weight-lifting were combined with tumbling movements to help young men develop the skills needed for combat. Later, after the Romans conquered Greece, these skills were organized into more formal competitions in gymnasiums.

With the fall of ancient Rome, gymnastics virtually disappeared except for tumbling, which was used by traveling troupes and court jesters for entertainment through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Interest in reviving gymnastics skills appeared in the 1800s, particularly in Germany, although the emphasis was on physical training rather than competition. Later in the century, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Greece in 1896, gymnastics competitions were among the sports. By 1924, men’s gymnastics was a regular part of the Olympic Games lineup, and in 1936 the first women’s gymnastics medal was awarded in an all-around competition. Women’s individual events joined the roster in 1952.

In the United States

During the later nineteenth century, immigrants from Europe brought gymnastics with them. Clubs and societies began to form for the practice of the sport and competitions began to grow in popularity. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the sport really took off. Later such Olympic stars as Olga Korbut in 1972, Nadia Comaneci in 1976, and Mary Lou Retton in 1984 helped little girls keep dreaming of medals. Today, USA Gymnastics is the umbrella organization for thousands of gymnasts in the United States.


Today is a good time to explore the benefits and fun of regular gymnastics activity for your son or daughter. If your kids aren’t already signed up for classes, the start of the school year is the perfect time to try out this popular form of exercise and relaxation.