Iron cross (exercise)

Eleftherios Petrounias performs an iron cross during his gold medal routine at the 2016 Olympics
L cross
Maltese cross
Inverted cross

An iron cross, also known as a crucifix[1] or cross,[2] is a gymnastics skill on the rings in which the body is suspended upright while the arms are extended laterally, forming the shape of the Christian cross. It is a move that requires significant shoulder and bicep tendon strength.

The International Gymnastics Federation Code of Points refers to the skill as a cross and lists it as a "B" difficulty value strength hold element.[3][4]

Variants

Variations of the iron cross listed in the FIG Code of Points include:

  • L cross (B difficulty): the cross is performed with the body held in an L-sit position.[4]
  • V cross (C difficulty): the cross is performed with the body in a tight piked position and the legs held vertically.[4]
  • Inverted cross (C difficulty): the cross is performed in an inverted (upside down) position.[4]
  • Maltese cross or swallow (D difficulty): the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with arms extended laterally.[4]
  • Victorian cross or inverted swallow (E difficulty): an inverted Maltese cross, with the body held parallel to the ground and facing up.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Fukushima, Sho; Russell, Wrio (1980). Men's gymnastics. Faber & Faber. pp. 94–95. ISBN 0-571-11478-4.
  2. ^ Tatlow, Peter (1979). Gymnastics. Lyric Books Limited. p. 76. ISBN 0-07-0935351.
  3. ^ "FIG - Discipline". www.gymnastics.sport. Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (February 2020). 2022 – 2024 Code of Points:Men's Artistic Gymnastics (PDF). FIG Executive Committee. p. 86.

External links

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