Balance Beam

Balance Beam

Originally, the balance beam was a round log with a 10in. diameter suspended upon two wooded structures of which the height could be adjusted. In 1921, the beam was made square and had a width of 3.15in.(GymMedia). As more gymnasts began to compete flipping skills, such as handsprings and somersaults, on the beam there became a need for the beam to me more elastic thus reducing the stress on the body of the gymnast and increasing the number of turns and therefore overall perfection. A suede cover was added to the traditional wooden beam as well as spring loading in the legs of the beam. In addition, the top of the beam, beneath the suede, was changed to foam rubber with plywood beneath. To prevent injury during dismounts off the end of the beam, a foam cover is placed in the end and the legs have foam jackets (GymMedia). These updates on the beam have made competition safer and increased the potential skills a gymnast can perform without injury over an extended period of time.

As you can see illustrated in the video above, early beam routines were extremely dance oriented. Beam was originally an event based solely on balance and grace for women. Over time, more elements involving physical strength and flexibility were added. An example of this is the press handstand, which requires incredible core strength. By the late 70s, even harder elements that required power and speed were added such as back handsprings, saltos and various jumps. With the addition of these harder elements came the introduction of fear of performing skills on the beam. Beam is considered the highest risk event in a competition because of the high likelihood of falling and what little error can cause a fall. Falling is the fear of many gymnasts. Falling of the beam is by far the scariest, especially since it is raised up so high off the ground. It seems even higher when one stands on it. One slip of the hand in a handstand or missing your foot on a leap can end in a painful fall with large bruises to remind you of the trauma. The beam is the least forgiving of the events. Below are some examples of why beam can be so difficult.

There are many ways specific to beam to combat the fear of performing certain skills and falling. The most effective way is to practice the skill. Do as many repetitions as possible in order to get comfortable with doing it. Even just being on the beam itself can improve spatial awareness with the apparatus. Another way to combat the fear is to think about straightness. This can help to align the body and focus on placing hands and feet correctly. Fully concentrating on the skill at hand can help to stay on the beam. Lazily doing beam NEVER ends well. Also, before competitions, it is important to practice like you will compete. Adding some pressure by having the entire gym watch surely does the trick. This can improve the confidence of a gymnast on beam enormously. Grace, power, strength, and danger are all packed into the four inches of the beam.
Below is the pinnacle of beam performance at the London Olympic Games. It is the beam event final performance of Den Linlin from China. She scored an 15.600 and won the gold medal.

Below is the pinnacle of beam performance at the London Olympic Games. It is the beam event final performance of Den Linlin from China. She scored an 15.600 and won the gold medal.