Venue: Wembley Arena
Dates: Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 August
Medal events: 2
Athletes: 96 (all women)
Rhythmic Gymnastics first appeared during the 19th century, and slowly grew in popularity until the first experimental competitions were staged during the 1930s. Having evolved to incorporate elements from classical ballet, German muscle-building techniques and Swedish exercise systems, it’s one of the most beautiful spectacles on the Olympic programme.
The first World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships were held in Budapest in 1963, just over two decades before the discipline made its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games of 1984. A group event was added to the programme at the Atlanta 1996 Games.
At London 2012, the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition will take place at Wembley Arena, a world-class multi-purpose venue that will have a capacity of 6,000 spectators.
See the London 2012 Olympic Games competition schedule
You may be able to join a club or class at your local leisure centre. Visit British Gymnastics, Active Places and the International Gymnastics Federation for more on the sport.
Wembley Arena, a flagship live music and sport venue, will host the Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics events at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Name: Evgenia Kanaeva
Date of birth: 2 April 1990
Country: Russia
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Name: Daria Kondakova
Date of birth: 30 July 1991
Country: Russia
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