LONDON (AP) — Time for those swirling ribbons and shiny balls, the nose clips and sparkly caps. The Michael Phelps-Ryan Lochte show in London is long over. So is all-around gymnastics.
Two of the Olympics’ quirkier, female-only sports — rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming — are on Friday’s program as the London Games head into the closing weekend. Add the high-flying, acrobatic sport of BMX cycling into the mix and fans will be treated to an eclectic combination of grace and guts.
In rhythmic gymnastics, American Julie Zetlin maneuvered Thursday through a hoop during part of her performance and balanced a shiny ball on her hand during another. She sported a sequined black costume, complete with slicked-back hair with shimmery eye makeup and bright pink-red lipstick.
Her sport is described as a combination of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance, and apparatus manipulation. And body manipulation, for that matter, considering how these women might pull one foot over their head or do the splits while upside down and balancing on their chests.
