The development of expertise in rhythmic gymnastics

The purpose of the present study was to develop a comprehensive overview of the development of expertise in rhythmic gymnastics (RG). Gymnasts who were ranked second in the world (Olympic medallists) were compared to a group of gymnasts who were ranked 13th in the world (International level). This was done in order to examine developmental training differences existing between these elite athletes in RG. Structured interviews were used to elicit retrospective information about the athletes' development. The variables assessed were: early activity involvement, health, training resources, level and ranking, and hours spent in training activities. As well the variables of fun, physical effort and mental concentration were assessed for their last year of involvement. Interviews with parents were conducted in order to validate the information given by the athletes. The results are discussed in the context of the theory of deliberate practice (Ericsson, Krampe & Tesch-Romer, 1993), previous sport expertise research (Helsen, Starkes, Hodges, 1998; Hodges & Starkes, 1996; Hodge & Deakin, 1998; Young & Salmela, 2001) and stages of sport participation (Cote & Hay, 2002). The results demonstrated that the Olympic medallists committed to the sport earlier than the International level athletes and allocated more time to ballet, technique, and routines with less time to warm up. Olympic medallists rated their health as lower than the International level athletes in the later stage of their participation in gymnastics. The International level athletes reported having a higher level of resources than the Olympic medallists at the beginning of their career while later in their development the athletes' in both groups reported similar levels of resources.