The Pursuit of Elegance in Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics

This study examines the concept of “elegance” in Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics, with a particular focus on the Longines Prize for Elegance. Elegance, often associated with grace, beauty, and sophistication, remains a subjective criterion, heavily influenced by cultural and aesthetic perceptions. The research analyzes the profiles of gymnasts who were awarded the Longines Prize between 1997 and 2019, exploring their performances and origins. The key findings reveal a significant correlation between high performance and the reception of the prize. Most winners achieved medal placements or reached multiple finals during their respective competitions. A predominance of gymnasts from European and Asian countries was observed, with minimal representation from South America, Africa, and Oceania. Additionally, the study highlights the consistent absence of visibly diverse body types and ethnic traits among the winners, suggesting an implicit bias in the selection process. The research also identifies differences in how “elegance” is interpreted across gymnastics disciplines, particularly contrasting the artistic components emphasized in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Rhythmic Gymnastics with the strength-focused criteria in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG). The findings suggest that the award reflects not only technical mastery but also adherence to traditional and hegemonic aesthetic standards. This raises questions about the inclusivity and diversity in defining elegance within the gymnastics world.