Grips and Chalk
Without the technology used in grips and gymnastics chalk, the uneven bars and the other apparatuses would be practically impossible. Chalk and grips play a major role in the sport and any level.
A.) How does the technology work?Grips - grips are devices used on the hand of women artistic gymnast when performing on the uneven bars. Gymnast use grips to enhance the grip on the bars as well as reducing the extremely painful blisters and rips that gymnast get on their hands. Grips are optional to use, some gymnast substitute sports tape for grips whilst others just use their bare hands.
Grips are very simple to use, they strap around your hand and there is two holes at the top end of the grip in which your ring and middle finger go through. Chalk - Gymnast apply a special type of chalk to their hands / grips whilst on uneven bars for more grip whilst doing their routine. Gymnast also use chalk on the other apparatuses (beam, floor and vault) during practice and competitions, gymnast dust their hands and legs with chalk to absorb sweat and to prevent slipping off apparatus. Gymnast also use chalk to prevent their grip strength during events.
D.) Has the technology spread to other parts of the world through sport (i.e. is it used all over the world, in Australia only etc.)?Gymnastics chalk is used all over the world and into every single country that participates in the sport. Chalk is found in a big box at every international competition for gymnast to use. Grips however, not everyone uses grips. Some gymnast prefer to just use sports tape on their hands or to just use their bare hands whilst performing on the uneven bars. Every country can access/ buy grips, its just a choice whether you wish to use them or not.
F.) Give 1 example of groups that have access to the technology (based on affordability, availability, etc.)?Any gymnast can have the access to this sort of technology if they know the right places to look. Most clubs have an area where you can buy both chalk and grips but you can also buy grips and chalk from gymnastics or some sports supplying companies such as GK Elite. Both grips and chalk are relatively affordable. Grips are usually no where more than $70 and chalk is usually around $10-$15.
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B.) Where was this technology discovered/invented?Grips - Gymnastics grips were first recorded to be used by a gymnast on March 29th, 1994 by Mark P. Goodson in the United States of America. Before 1994, gymnast would wrap their hands in sports tape if needed to protect their hands from blistering.
Chalk - Unlike grips, chalk has been around as long as gymnastics has been around. The chalk used in gymnastics is the same kind of chalk used in other sports such as weight-lifting. Gymnast have always used chalk and they will always will/ need to use chalk on all apparatuses. C.) Does the technology significantly help improve the sport in terms of performance, safety etc. Or is it just a fad?Yes, Both the chalk and grips used in gymnastics help to enhance the performance and safety of the gymnast. Chalk helps to absorb sweat and to prevent gymnast from slipping off and hurting themselves. Grips are also used to improve the sport in terms of performance and safety as they allow gymnast to have more grip whilst swinging around on the uneven bars.
Grips also protect the gymnast hands from ripping and tearing, however they do not fully eliminate this from happening. E.) Give 1 example of when the technology is used (e.g. in training, recovery, competition, officiating etc.)?Grips and chalk are used every day in gymnastics competitions and training. Most gymnastics centres and competition venues have tubs of chalk near each apparatus that can be used by the gymnast whilst training and competing. You would rarely be able to go to a gymnastics club or venue and not see someone using either grips or chalk.
G.) Show a photo/video of each form of technology in action.In the video above, 2008 Olympic All Around Champion Nastia Luikin is using her grips and chalking them before she competes on uneven bars at the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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