The Uneven Parallel Bars
The uneven parallel bars are an event done by only women. There is no music in this event as well. It consists of two round wooden poles held by metal uprights. The low bar is 5 feet from the ground, and the high bar is 7 1/2 feet from the ground. The distance between the two bars varies from gymnast to gymnast, depending on how tall the gymnast is, or what kind of moves she does. This event is different from the men's event, the parallel bars, because the men's bars are more rectangular shaped, and they are the same height off the ground.
A routine on the bars must consist of a certain amount of skills, depending on what level you are in. In the international level, you need about 10 or 11 skills. In a routine, a gymnast usually changes directions, uses both bars, does many skills, including flight elements where the gymnast completely releases and regrasps the bars, and many swinging skills. The routine must be free flowing with no stops, as well, and each move must be done cleanly to recieve full marks.
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