The jump rope is one of the first objects that athletes started to use in rhythmic gymnastics. It’s considered that it crossed over to the sport from children's games and dances.
Initially, the rope was used mainly for training. Gymnasts performed jumps and exercises with it, for speed and endurance. Later, this object started to be used in performances, first just in demonstrations, then altogether in the competition program.
The gymnastic rope is unusual, it is a dense rope or a cord with knots on both ends.
Its color is usually chosen by the gymnast to match the leotard and the performance image.
The jump ropes are made of different materials and how convenient it is for work depends on how rigid it is. In most cases, professional athletes use a nylon rope, it’s the toughest and the heaviest. The advantage of using this rope is clear movements with it and the preservation of the flight path when it's thrown.
Beginner gymnasts usually use cotton rope because it is soft and light. Polyester is softer, but heavier than cotton, so its flight path is better maintained.
In 2011, the jump rope exercises for adults were terminated, because the thin object was difficult to see on TV during broadcasts.
Since then, senior gymnasts use only four objects - hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.
However, the jump rope has not gone completely into the past, at the 2022 Sky Grace tournament, the object was returned into the adult program. The competition regulations allowed the gymnasts to use all the objects they wanted to showcase all their abilities. This hasn’t happened for a long time!