Hand apparatus group exercises were introduced into the Artistic Gymnastics program at the Melbourne Olympics (Australia) in 1956. Six gymnasts performed a routine with a rope, some decorated with flowers. The use of hand apparatus eventually disappeared from Artistic Gymnastics but gradually resurfaced in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
On the podium of the 1st World Championships (as mentioned in the previous article on our blog), it was already evident what would become a constant in the history of this competition, with the USSR (later Russia) and Bulgaria frequently occupying the top spots.
https://youtu.be/oqJlbWC2P1Q (Video featuring part of the USSR’s routine with 6 hoops)
https://youtu.be/124s5k_DV-E (Video of Bulgaria’s 6-hoop routine at the 1967 World Championships)
In its early years, only one routine was performed, and in the initial competitions, all members used the same apparatus. For example, in 1967, it was 6 hoops; in 1968, 3 balls/3 ribbons; and in 1969, 6 balls.
Initially, the group apparatus championships were held every two years alongside the individual events, from 1967 to 1991. Since 1992, the championships have been held annually, except for the year following the Olympic Games when the competition is not held.
The countries that have won the World Championships in Group Rhythmic Gymnastics the most times from its inception until 2019 are as follows:
- URSS 4 times
- Rusia 8 times
- Bulgaria 10 times
- Italia 4 times
Highlights in the Spanish achievements:
1st Place: World Championships 1991
2nd Place: World Championships 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998
3rd Place: World Championships 1975, 1987, 1989, 2015
In the junior category, the first World Championships took place in 2019, with the podium being: 1st Russia, 2nd Italy, 3rd Belarus, with Spain in 5th place.
Below are some images of groups that have been world champions throughout their history.
