Page "Artistic gymnastics" Paragraph 45

Compulsories were eliminated at the end of 1996.

The move was extremely controversial, and many successful gymnastics federations, including Russia, the United States and China, voted against the abolition of compulsories.

They argued that the exercises helped maintain a high standard of form, technique and execution among gymnasts.

Opponents believed that compulsories harmed emerging gymnastics programs.

Many members of the gymnastics community still argue that compulsories should be reinstated.