ABSTRACT
This book lifts the lid on the high pressured, complex world of women’s artistic gymnastics. By adopting a socio-cultural lens incorporating historical, sociological and psychological perspectives, it takes the reader through the story and workings of women’s artistic gymnastics.
Beginning with its early history as a ‘feminine appropriate’ sport, the book follows the sport through its transition to a modern sports form. Including global cases and innovative narrative methods, it explores the way gymnasts have experienced its intense challenges, the complexities of the coach-athlete relationship, and how others involved in the sport, such as parents and medical personnel, have contributed to the reproduction of a highly demanding and potentially abusive sporting culture.
With the focus on a unique women’s sport, the book is an important read for researchers and students studying sport sociology, sport coaching, and physical education, but it is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the development of sporting talent.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|58 pages
The history, politics, commercialisation, and diversification of women’s artistic gymnastics
part II|51 pages
The gymnast experience
chapter 6|18 pages
Media narratives of gymnasts’ abusive experiences
part III|56 pages
Coach-athlete relationships
chapter 10|15 pages
Critical reflections on (adult) coach-(child) athlete ‘no touch’ discourses in women’s artistic gymnastics
part IV|62 pages
The multiple actors involved in creating an elite gymnast