But is the joke on the United States? In Eastern Europe, rhythmic gymnasts are celebrities, selling out arenas and posing for magazines. “They grow up with a hoop and a ball and a ribbon in their hands,” says Jan Exner, senior director of USA Gymnastics’ rhythmic program. Their males get it: after all, the girls flaunt their flexibility and leggy figures in tight-fitting leotards and showgirl makeup.
USA Gymnastics is now trying to catch up. The association’s promoting the sport through the nation’s 4,600 private gymnastics clubs, teaching artistic gyms how to start rhythmic programs. (Currently some 3,500 girls compete in rhythmic at some level–compared with 4 million boys and girls in artistic.) This year’s Olympics could boost interest. “We have our best gymnast we’ve ever had,” says USA Gymnastics president Bob Colarossi, referring to Mary Sanders, a Canadian-born dual citizen who’s the odds-on favorite to be the sole U.S. rep this summer. Sanders is optimistic: “Everyone who sees it for the first time loves it.”
