THE 2 EVENTS (both women)
Rhythmic gymnastics: Individual, team
THE FORMAT
Individual event: Qualifying round (24 competitors), ten finalists.
Combination (teams of 6, though only five compete): Qualifying round (12 competitors), final with eight teams.
MILESTONES
Antiquity
Gymnastics is practiced in ancient Greece, India, Persia and China.
Middle of 19th century
Popular and regional dancing take place in Central Europe, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg leaving the first traces of rhythmic gymnastics.
1896
Gymnastics are on the agenda at the first modern Olympic Games in Greece.
1930's
The first rhythmic gymnastics are practiced in Eastern and Northern Europe.
1963
First world championships in rhythmic gymnastics are held.
1984
Rhythmic Gymnastics makes its first appearance at the Games in Los Angeles.
STARS
Maria Petrova (Bulgaria)
Olympic misfortune. Triple overall world champion in 1993, 1994 and 1995 as well as helping Bulgaria to the team world title in 1993. Suffered Olympic disappointment finishing 5th in 1992 and 1996, while at Barcelona in 1992, she had problems with her outfit.