Smile-Worthy Olympic Moments

#13: Acrobatics That Defy Gravity

While floor routines and beams are trendy Olympic gymnastic events, nothing compares to the uneven bars. The twirls, twists, flips, and swings make this a fantastic spectator sport as we watch gymnasts soar through the air. The bars themselves used to be fashioned out of wood, but the treacherous medium would often break, injuring gymnasts. They’re now made of fiberglass.

Scores are based on values awarded on mount, pirouette, release moves, transitions, and dismounts. The more complicated the maneuver, the higher the value. Competitors use chalk on their hands to prevent sweat from interfering as they grab and release. Nadia Comaneci won her first perfect 10.0 on the uneven bars in 1976!