The Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix circuit is an annual series of tournaments in rhythmic gymnastics open to gymnasts from all over the globe. The series consists of a number of stages in different countries in Europe and is the most important series of competitions outside of those organized by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) or European Gymnastics, and the competitors include the world's top gymnasts.[1]
Each Grand Prix stage is held as an all-around qualification competition, followed by four apparatus finals with hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.[2] The final event in the circuit is commonly referred to as the Grand Prix Final. The focus in each stage is on individual performances, though groups have also been allowed to compete in some stages since, at least, 1995.[3]
The Grand Prix circuit should not be confused with the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series, which is a competition officially organized by the FIG, whereas the Grand Prix is neither organized nor promoted by the FIG.[4]
History
The Grand Prix circuit was established in 1994. The then vice-president of the International Gymnastics Federation, Hans-Jürgen Zacharias, and Robert Baur, came up with the idea of a series of events held in different cities, and the rules were drafted in the course of many meetings with European Gymnastics. The objective was to bring together and rank the elite of international rhythmic gymnastics.[5] Prize money was also provided, which was a first for rhythmic gymnastics competitions.[6] Nations which have hosted Grand Prix stages include Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Russia, and Ukraine.
Grand Prix circuit
Gymnasts at the 2019 Moscow Grand Prix
Each year, a number of stages that go from a minimum of three to a maximum of twelve, are staged across different countries in Europe. Individual gymnasts perform in an all-around competition that also serves as qualification for apparatus finals.[2] In the early editions of the Grand Prix, a separate all-around final was also staged. The closing event of the circuit is commonly referred to as Grand Prix Final. Until 2005, gymnasts earned points in each stage, and only the highest ranked gymnasts were allowed to compete in the Grand Prix Final.
Grand Prix events are invitational events. Although the competition is not officially organized by the FIG, all gymnasts must have valid FIG licenses and be age-eligible for senior competition.[2]
What follows is a table containing the total number of medals earned by individual gymnasts representing their nations in every stage of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix circuit from 1994 to 2023. The results accounted for include only senior medalists in the regular stages of the circuit, as well as the Grand Prix Final. Group events, either at official Grand Prix competitions or international tournaments held alongside Grand Prix stages, are not included.
Senior individual events (1994–2024 after Brno Grand Prix)
Organizers of Grand Prix events are also allowed to hold extra events for groups in the same venue. In the early editions, the group competitions were staged as parallel events (usually in the form of international tournaments) that were intertwined with individual performances during the Grand Prix competitions. In 2003, an official Grand Prix event especially for groups was held in Sofia, Bulgaria.[7] Since 2016, organizers can also organize a group competition, although they are not required to do so.[2] Nations which have earned at least one group medal on senior level, either in international tournaments or official Grand Prix stages, since 1995, include:
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