1.
The word gymnasium comes from the Greek word that means "to exercise naked".
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The word "gymnasium" does indeed come from the Greek word "gymnasion," which means "to exercise naked." In ancient Greece, gymnasiums were spaces where individuals would exercise, compete in sports, and train in the nude. This practice was common among ancient Greeks, who believed that exercising without clothing allowed for greater freedom of movement and better ventilation for the body. However, it is important to note that modern gymnasiums do not require participants to exercise naked.
2.
Female gymnasts use music in their routines, but male gymnasts don't.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Female gymnasts use music in their routines to enhance their performance and add a creative element to their routines. Music helps them establish a rhythm and timing for their movements, making their routines more visually appealing. It also adds an emotional aspect to their performance, allowing them to connect with the audience and judges on a deeper level. On the other hand, male gymnasts typically focus more on strength, power, and technical skills, which do not require the use of music. Therefore, it is true that female gymnasts use music in their routines, while male gymnasts do not.
3.
Some top gymnasts began training when they were 2-3 years old.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Many top gymnasts start their training at a very young age, typically around 2-3 years old. This early start allows them to develop the necessary strength, flexibility, and coordination required for the sport. Starting at such a young age also gives them a significant advantage in terms of building muscle memory and learning complex skills. Therefore, it is true that some top gymnasts begin training when they are 2-3 years old.
4.
Female gymnasts are at their best between the ages of 14 and 18.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Female gymnasts are at their best between the ages of 14 and 18 because this is the age range when they typically reach their peak physical condition and have the highest level of flexibility, strength, and agility. During this time, they have the opportunity to train intensively and develop their skills to compete at the highest level in gymnastics. As they get older, their bodies may not be able to perform at the same level due to factors such as decreased flexibility and increased risk of injury. Therefore, it is generally accepted that the prime years for female gymnasts are between 14 and 18.
5.
Male gymnasts peak in their late teens to early twenties.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Male gymnasts typically reach their peak performance levels in their late teens to early twenties. This is because gymnastics requires a high level of strength, flexibility, and coordination, which are typically at their peak during this age range. Additionally, the intense training and physical demands of gymnastics can take a toll on the body over time, making it more difficult to maintain peak performance as athletes get older. Therefore, it is generally true that male gymnasts peak in their late teens to early twenties.
6.
After the 1966 Olympics, female gymnasts had to be 16 years old to compete in the Olympics and world championships.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
After the 1966 Olympics, the age requirement for female gymnasts to compete in the Olympics and world championships was set at 16 years old. This means that any female gymnast who wanted to participate in these events had to be at least 16 years old.
7.
Rhythmic gymnastics became an Olympic event in 1984.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Rhythmic gymnastics became an Olympic event in 1984. This means that starting from 1984, rhythmic gymnastics was included as a competitive sport in the Olympic Games. Prior to this year, it was not recognized as an official Olympic event.
8.
Rhythmic gymnasts may not perform tumbling moves.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Rhythmic gymnastics is a discipline that focuses on combining elements of ballet, dance, and gymnastics with the use of various apparatus such as ribbons, hoops, and balls. Unlike artistic gymnastics, which includes tumbling moves like flips and somersaults, rhythmic gymnasts do not typically perform these types of tumbling moves. Instead, they focus on executing graceful and rhythmic movements with their chosen apparatus, showcasing their flexibility, strength, and coordination. Therefore, the statement that rhythmic gymnasts may not perform tumbling moves is true.
9.
A flip-flop is also called a back handspring.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A flip-flop is a gymnastics move where a person jumps backwards and does a mid-air somersault, landing on their hands and then pushing off to land back on their feet. This move is commonly known as a back handspring. Therefore, the statement "A flip-flop is also called a back handspring" is true.
10.
There are springs under the 40 x 40 foot mat on which gymnasts perform their floor exercise.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because gymnasts typically perform their floor exercise routines on a mat that has springs underneath it. These springs help absorb the impact of the gymnasts' movements, providing them with a safer surface to perform on and reducing the risk of injury.