Combining strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance, and grace, gymnastics has evolved from ancient Greek exercises into a popular modern recreational and competitive sport with participants from two years old to world class athletes. Artistic gymnastics captivates viewers of the Summer Olympics worldwide. Providing an overview of the sport's origins and evolution, this book presents the scientific principles and concepts relevant to gymnastics, the biomechanics and physiology involved, and the elements of sports medicine uniquely associated with gymnasts.