Gymnastics is a popular competitive and noncompetitive sport playedpracticed in a profusion of different countries. FirstlyFirst, to achieve success when gaining new skills in gymnastics there are certain skills a gymnast should have. One vital skill is flexibility. High flexibility is needed to do a ton of skills, like handsprings, aerials, and walkovers. Although, high flexibility is a skill that all gymnasts want, it takes time and patience. Impatience while stretching can lead you to injure yourself for a long period of time. Along with flexibility, an abundance of strength is needed to complete a skill. Core strength is one of the main strengths needed for gymnastics, especially for going from intermediate to advanced skills. Such – such as going from a backbend kickover to a back walkover. Besides that, other significant skills needed in gymnastics include, balance, timing, speed, and patience. Secondly, gymnastics has been a part of the Olympics since the Olympics first began in 1896. At first, only men were allowed to compete in Olympic gymnastics for the first 32 years, until womanwomen began competing. Additionally, the first African American female to win an individual all round gold medal at the Olympics was Mary Lou Retton. Furthermore, elite gymnasts, who are the ones you'd see at the Olympics, diligently train from 36-4036–40 hours every week. These athletic gymnasts can start competing at the Olympics from as young as 16. Thirdly, there are 4 main events that women compete in, and 6 main events that men compete in. The 4 main events inthat women compete in are: floor, vault, beam, uneven bars.