8 strict rules Olympic gymnasts have to follow: From maintaining strict diets to head-to-toe perfection

8 strict rules Olympic gymnasts need to follow

Team USA is ready to break records and win some medals as they head to Paris Olympics 2024! One of the most highly anticipated events of the Summer Olympics has to be gymnastics, and this time, USA's Simone Biles, who has previously won seven Olympic medals, is set to return to the world's largest sporting celebration. As the athletes take to the global stage, they must adhere to strict rules while demonstrating their skill and dedication under immense pressure. Here are eight rules that the gymnasts can't afford to break while competing for gold, silver, and bronze in the Summer Olympics. 

1. Olympic gymnasts need to maintain a certain weight

Apart from undergoing rigorous training and punctilious physical exercises to maintain their agility, in many cases, Olympic gymnasts also need to keep an eye on their weight, which can be taxing to some. While talking to The Washington Post in 2021, US gymnast Dominique Dawes spoke out about the issue. She said, "Young gymnasts push through agony and sickness out of fear and compete in emotional and physical pain." The same idea was reciprocated by another US gymnast, Maggie Nichols, who wrote in her memoir, 'Unstoppable!', that her coach once ridiculed her for being "puffy," as per The List.

2. Olympic gymnasts must deliver head-to-toe perfection

The performance of an Olympic athlete is judged on two scores - difficulty score (or D score) and execution score (or E score). To achieve the top spot, the athletes need to score high in both the D score (which determines the difficulty level of the stunt) and the E score (which judges the execution of the move). Thus, to secure the coveted medal, the gymnasts have to deliver top-notch and error-free performances as too many errors - including flexed feet, bent knees, wobbling, or crossed legs - can diminish their chances of winning.

3. Olympic gymnasts have to maintain a nutrient-dense diet

In order to pull off those jaw-dropping maneuvers, the gymnasts need to have strength and energy. To substantiate their daily nutrient requirement, the athletes are expected to feast on protein-packed items. US veteran Olympian Simone Biles once shared her diet with Women's Health in 2020, and it focused on the likes of lean meat and fiber-rich vegetables. She shared, "I do not track anything," before adding, "I eat what I feel good with and try not to overeat or stuff myself because I'm always at the gym." Biles stressed, "For gymnasts, in particular, [tracking] can lead to health problems and eating issues, so I just eat what I know I can and should."

4. Olympic gymnasts have to follow certain grooming regulations

For the Olympic athletes, grooming is at times as essential as their exercise routines. For the US athletes, physical appearance is of supreme importance as even the USA Women's Gymnastics Handbook says a gymnast must be "well groomed in her appearance." The women gymnasts are allowed to paint their nails (though the manicures need to be pre-approved by coaches) and bright-colored lipsticks, but none of the athletes are allowed to wear any jewelry except stud earrings. 

5. No-show rule for underwear

While showcasing their skills in skin-tight leotards and costumes, the athletes are expected not to show any underwear. Per the USA Gymnastics rulebook, "No underwear (including sports bras) should be deliberately exposed." However, there is an exception for the ladies, as "a clear bra strap is acceptable." They are allowed to wear custom-made skivvies under their leotards, which provide a sense of comfort while performing. Moreover, athletes must also avoid wearing backless leotards, spaghetti straps, and midriff-bearing outfits. 

6. Olympic gymnasts should have the right music for floor routines

The rules are such that the Olympic floor routines are as much audio as much it is visual. Thus music should be right for an Olympic-winning performance. Former gymnast Georgia Cervin once shared with CNN, "Lyrics have never been allowed, which is why we don't see gymnasts dancing to popular songs very often." Even though popular music can be used, it has to be instrumental and adhere to the 90-second limit. 

7. Olympic gymnasts must avoid illegal moves

While gymnasts surely want to give their best and show off their impressive agility, they must steer clear of performing certain moves declared illegal by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). Most of them have been deemed illegal as they're considered too dangerous to perform. 

8. Olympic gymnasts should pay attention to etiquette

Olympians need to be on their best behavior while competing in the international multi-sport event. According to the USA Gymnastics handbook, they need to maintain proper conduct and good sportsmanship. They are also banned from wearing headphones or talking on the phone while competing. The handbook further instructs the athletes to "be courteous, respectful, and polite to all meet officials, coaches, hostesses, competitors, and associated persons." If a gymnast falls or gets injured while competing, they're expected to maintain a calm and professional demeanor.