The History of the Iron Cross Rings in Gymnastics

The rings, or still rings, are a gymnastic apparatus used in male gymnastic competitions around the world. Competition on the rings requires the highest level of strength among the male events.

  1. Origins

    • Freidrich Ludwig Jahn, the "father of gymnastics" is credited with the invention of the rings in the early 19th century, as well as the parallel bars, horizontal bar and the vaulting buck. However, the rings are likely based on earlier rope and pole apparatuses from Italy, where they were known as the Roman rings in reference to their possible origin.

    1840-1924

    • Early designs of the rings from the mid- 1840s were triangular or bow shaped; the rounded shape came later. Throughout the 19th century this apparatus was not used in gymnastic competitions. It was not until 1924 that the rings made an Olympic debut. Rings at this time were constructed from hemp rope and suspended from enormous wood trestles.

    Modern Rings

    • From the 1930s through the early 1950s the rings were supported by steel tube trestles and the lower portion of the rings were more commonly constructed of leather. Beginning in 1954, steel rope began to appear in the construction of this apparatus. This steel tube construction made it's debut at the 1954 World Championships.