Comparing sport to theatre is a well-worn line.
But at the SSE Hydro yesterday, the comparison could not have been more apt. When the rhythmic gymnasts started proceedings at one of the most spectacular Glasgow 2014 venues, the similarities between the two were clear for all to see. The athletes walked on to the floor with their immaculately coiffured hair and their perfectly applied make-up and would not look put of place on stage. The amount of sequins on display suggested you would be hard pushed to find any remaining diamante anywhere in the Commonwealth. But for all the frippery, there can be no denying that rhythmic gymnastics is a bona fide sport.
Artistic gymnastics is typically given the bulk of the public's attention, particularly in recent years as a result of the world-class artistic gymnasts which Scotland has produced. But it was, in fact, a rhythmic gymnast who won Scotland's first gymnastics medal at a Commonwealth Games when Jo Walker won bronze with the hoop in Victoria 20 years ago. Further Scottish success was not forthcoming, however, although the home contingent of Rebecca Bee, Victoria Clow and Lauran Brash are looking to rectify this in individual events over the next two days.
The Hydro is a stunning venue, the cylindrical shape creating a cauldron of noise every time a Scottish gymnast stepped out to perform. With the arena almost entirely bedecked in blue, there was no mistaking which country we were in and with the crowd raised above the floor looking down on the action, it was an almost perfect setting.
The gymnasts themselves are distinctly unlike their artistic counterparts. Considerably taller, these women would not have looked out of place on a catwalk. There are fewer jumps and tumbles in comparison to artistic gymnastics, with the focus being on precision with the four pieces of apparatus; hoop, ribbon, ball and clubs. Some of the difficulty displayed in the routines was breathtaking, although there were a few mistakes which resulted in a ball being booted in the direction of the crowd.
One of the biggest cheers of the day came when Clow performed her hoop routine to Lulu's Shout, while Brash performed to the dulcet tones of Andy Stewart singing 'Donald Whaur's Yer Troosers?'
The Scottish team may have failed to medal in the team event, but they will reappear today for the individual events with the valuable experience of having sampled the atmosphere created by the home crowd. Clow was the first Scot up yesterday and she appeared nervy, but settled as the day progressed. For Brash, as one of the youngest members of Team Scotland at just 15, she will have learned an enormous amount in her first appearance. Nothing could have prepared the Scots for the emotion of performing on day one of a home Commonwealth Games - one can never anticipate how that will feel. But yesterday will undoubtedly have given Scotland's rhythmic gymnasts a day they will never forget.
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