London 2012 Rhythmic Gymnastics: The Swirling Google Doodle

Pity today's Google doodle is a static one, it would have looked the prettiest if alive. Nevertheless, after four interactive doodles, today's static yet beautiful Google logo showcasing the London 2012 rhythmic gymnastics will suffice. The logo displays a cheerful gymnast in a luminous yellow costume and amber hair performing with a ribbon that swirls to make the two Os of Google. The logo comes complete with an audience with a guy clicking a photo. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines dance, gymnastic, ballet and manipulation of apparatus. The apparatus could be a ball, rope, clubs, hoop or a gymnast may perform without one. An individual may only make use of one apparatus at a time, however multiple gymnasts performing together can use maximum of two types of apparatus through the group. While we enjoy the sport from a distance, the rules of rhythmic gymnastics are quite complicated. On the surface, the basic rules state that the individual's legs should be straight with toes pointed. There should be a minimum 180 degree split on jumps and split leaps, with a complete control of the apparatus and dropping it would lead to points being deducted. The background music should be incorporated in the performance as closely as possible. And of course, there should be uniqueness to the act. This exclusivity could come from challenging choreography, risky throws and catches or a difficult overall routine. One can only imagine the kind of diet that is required for such an intense sport that requires flexibility and strength. Essentially, the diet should be high in carbohydrate, with enough protein and healthy fats. Since these gymnasts train extensively, for long hours at a stretch, they need to eat on the go. Healthy snacks, yogurt and nuts go a long way. Gymnasts need to be extra careful in their diet, as most of them restrict consumption of different types of food in order to maintain low body weight or to control weight. A balanced, healthy and sensible diet is required to reach the ideal state of nutrition, which directly helps their performance. All in all a treat to watch, rhythmic gymnastics is more than just pretty faces, beautiful costumes, and makeup - there's grace, charisma, elegance, poise and most of all skill. Oh, such skill.