Rhythmic gymnastics as a sport began in the 1940s in the former Soviet Union. It was there for the first time that the competitive spirit of sport was combined with the sensuous art of classical ballet.
The International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) recognised rhythmic gymnastics as an official discipline in 1962 and the first Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships were held in 1964. Rhythmic gymnastics was added to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with an individual all-around competition. With many federations from the eastern European countries boycotting those Games, the Canadian Lori Fung was the first rhythmic gymnast to earn an Olympic gold medal.
