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Wheel gymnastics (also known as Rhönrad, gymnastics wheel, gym wheel, or German wheel) is a unique niche sport in which athletes perform gymnastic and acrobatic movements with a large rotating wheel or hoop. The wheel is made of two metal hoops connected by six bars, and allows the gymnast to roll, spin, and perform routines both inside and on top of the wheel.

Rhönrad was invented in Germany in 1925 by Otto Feick. The name "Rhönrad" comes from the Rhön Mountains in central Germany, where the sport was first developed. It grew in popularity throughout Germany and other parts of Europe, and official competitions began in the mid-20th century. The sport is still predominantly found in Germany.

The Rhönrad wheel typically ranges from 130 cm to 245 cm in diameter, the size depending on the height of the athlete. It is made of steel and includes two parallel rings connected by six horizontal bars. Two of the horizontal bars have handles, and two have footrests.

Wheel gymnastics includes three main disciplines:

• Straight Line: The gymnast rolls the wheel back and forth in a straight path while performing gymnastic skills.
• Spiral: The wheel rolls on one rim while tilted, and the gymnast maintains balance while executing moves.
• Vault : The gymnast pushes the wheel, runs, jumps onto it, and performs a vault off the moving wheel.

Competitions are judged a little like artistic and rhythmic gymnastics competitions. Points are awarded for difficulty and execution, with deductions.

The sport is governed internationally by the International Wheel Gymnastics Federation (IRV). The Rhönrad World Championships are held every two years, featuring top athletes from countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the Netherlands.

There may have been a demonstration of Wheel Gymnastics at the time of the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.

Similar Sports

• Floor Gymnastics — gymnasts perform a tumbling and dance routine on a floor space.
• Rhythmic Gymnastics — uses the elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation.
• Tumbling — a gymnastics event involving tumbling along a mat performing flips, rolls, jumps, performing somersaults and handsprings.
• Acrobatic Gymnastics — team of gymnasts work together to perform acrobatic moves in combination with dance moves.
• Gymnastics (general)

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Related Pages

• More about the Sport of Gymnastics
• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports — a list of every sport from around the world.
• Sport in Germany