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Para-gymnastics, also known as disability gymnastics and para gymnastics, is a discipline of gymnastics for disabled athletes. It was recognized as an official Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) discipline in October 2024.

History

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) maintained a Gymnastics for All committee. In 2018, they expanded the Gymnastics for All program by forming an alliance of gymnastics federations. Countries such as the United States have held team competitions teams of athletes with disabilities, while countries like Great Britain have held championships for individual competitors.

In October 2024, FIG recognized para-gymnastics as an official FIG discipline. FIG defined the discipline as "Competitive Gymnastics performed on different pieces of apparatus for those gymnasts with approved Para classification," and approved it for artistic gymnastics. As of 2024, para-gymnastics is limited to national competition.

Great Britain

Great Britain had a national para-gymnastics squad, but it disbanded in 2013. In 2016, more than 200 clubs affiliated with British Gymnastics officially offered disability gymnastics programs, representing over 1,500 disabled members. In 2020, British Gymnastics officially formed the British Gymnastics Disability Gymnastics Panel. British Gymnastics is working on a FIG Code of Points for Men's and Women's Artistic Para-Gymnastics, and on creating a classification structure, with the goals of hosting the first FIG Para-Gymnastics World Championships in 2027 and Paralympic inclusion in 2032.

Notable para-gymnasts

• Jen Bricker-Bauer
• Alex Buesnel
• Carol Johnston
• Stacie Ridley
• Oli Kettleborough

References

1. ^ Radnofsky, Louise (2021-09-06). "Gymnastics Isn't in the Paralympics—and There Is Little Momentum to Change That". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
2. "Para-Gymnastics recognised as official discipline by Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique in 'game changing' vote". British Gymnastics. 2024-10-28. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
3. "85th FIG Congress concludes in Doha". Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique. 2024-10-26. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
4. "When will 'Para Gymnastics' also become Paralympic? | GYMmedia.com". www.gymmedia.com. 2024-08-30. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
5. ^ "Disability Gymnastics: Why is it not at the Paralympics?". ITV News. 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
6. Bagchi, Sagnik (2024-09-29). "Possible Inclusion of Para Gymnastics at Paralympics Has Fans Elated: "Cannot Wait"". EssentiallySports. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
7. "BG reiterates ambition for gymnastics to become Paralympic sport by Brisbane 2032". British Gymnastics. 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
8. "Gymnast defies medical opinion". Newark Advertiser. 2011-11-23. Retrieved 2024-11-11.

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• Gymnastics disciplines