taitovoimistelu

Taitovoimistelu is the Finnish term for artistic gymnastics, a sport that combines strength, flexibility, balance and artistry. The discipline is practiced by both men and women and is organized as separate event groups. For men, competitive events include floor, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and the horizontal bar; for women, the events are floor, vault, uneven bars and balance beam. Routines are performed on these apparatus under the scoring rules of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and are judged for difficulty and execution.

Nationally, taitovoimistelu is governed by the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, Suomen Voimistelu- ja Urheiluliitto (VOI), together with regional clubs. Local clubs provide training from childhood to elite levels, with certified coaches, safe training environments and a calendar of competitions. Domestic championships determine national rankings and can serve as qualifiers for European and World Championships and for the Olympic Games through selection of the national team.

History and context: Artistic gymnastics has modern origins in the 19th century and has been a central sport in the Olympic movement since the early 20th century. In Finland, taitovoimistelu has a long-standing club tradition and contributes to talent development, education and community sport, with athletes competing at national and international events.