ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF MALE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS: A PATH TO EQUAL RIGHTS

Abstract

The Olympic principles included in the Olympic Charter reflect the philosophy of the Olympic Movement. One of these principles is non-discrimination based on sex or gender. Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the few Olympic sports with exclusively female participation. The objective of this research has been to rescue the facts that suppose its origin and evolution, both nationally and internationally, and reflect on whether in the current situation, and in relation to this sport, the fundamental principles that are at the base of the Olympic are fulfilled in practice. Therefore, the documentary analysis of the Olympic Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the documentation of the archives of the Royal Spanish Gymnastics Federation, as well as specialized newspaper sources, was carried out. On the other hand, a semi-structured interview was conducted with the Spanish gymnast Ruben Orihuela Gavilan. The information and results were contrasted and triangulated, and showed that rhythmic gymnastics has no restrictions regarding its practice, however at a competitive level, the events in which gymnasts can participate are scarce. In this sense in Spain balancing impulses of this circumstances are documented, showing a pioneering advance on this matter, such as the granting of the first male license in the world, or the celebration of the first National Male Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship held in Gijon in 2009.Therefore, it should be noted that it is now in the hands of the International Gymnastics Federation and the national federations the possibility of generating the boost that male rhythmic gymnastics needs, promoting the visibility of this sport and the increase in its practice, aspects that also conditions Olympic participation.