The Rhythmic Gymnastics has not been around as a medal event for that long, only making its debut in Los Angeles in 1984, Since then though it has grown in popularity.
This is due in no small part to the fact that each competitor has no help from traditional floor equipment, instead having to put their own personal interpretation on to the music with the help of hoops balls, ribbons or clubs.
The sport itself came to the fore principally in Russia where ballet is big, and as such it was not much of a leap to the crossover into sport from art. Indeed rhythmic gymnastics is an art-based performance in itself, and it is no surprise to learn that Russia has dominated proceedings of late, capturing both the individual and team titles at each of the last three Games.
With six gold medals to date, Russia is the only country to have gained more than one Olympic Games title, and it without doubt that there will be more medals added when the event begins at the Wembley Arena on 9th August.
The star of the show is very much Yevgenia Kanayeva who was just 18-years-old when taking both the Group and Individual All-Around gold medals in Beijing. In 2009 she won a staggering six golds at the World Championships, four more in 2010, and last year repeated her feat of the six-timer.
Quite simply she is the best around which is unfortunate for her team-mate Daria Kondakova, who despite regularly picking up international silverware, lives in the shadow of her fellow countrywoman. One thing is certain, we will definitely get used to the Russian national anthem by the time that the three-day spectacle is over.
For all the best previews, odds and predictions including Athletics Betting, head over to the dedicated Betfair London 2012 page.
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