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Vault - Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus

Definition

The vault is an artistic gymnastics apparatus on which gymnasts perform acrobatic maneuvers. The vault event involves a gymnast running towards a springboard, launching themselves onto a table block, and then pushing off with their hands to propel themselves over the vaulting table.

History

The vault has been a part of artistic gymnastics since the early 1900s. The first vaults were simple handstands and somersaults. Over time, the vaults have become more complex and difficult, and gymnasts now perform a variety of aerial maneuvers, including flips, twists, and somersaults.

Technique

The vault is a highly technical event. Gymnasts must have a strong foundation in basic gymnastics skills, such as handstands, cartwheels, and back handsprings. They must also have good coordination, balance, and timing. The vault is a dangerous event, and gymnasts must be properly trained and supervised.

Scoring

The vault is scored on a scale of 0 to 10. The judges evaluate the gymnast's technique, height, distance, and difficulty of the vault. The gymnast's score is determined by the average of the scores from the three judges.

Famous Vaulters

Some of the most famous vaulters in history include Nadia Comaneci, Simone Biles, and Oksana Chusovitina. These gymnasts have won numerous Olympic medals and have helped to popularize the sport of artistic gymnastics worldwide.