Purpose. The aim of the present work was to compare and analyze the average results obtained by women artistic gymnasts and to discover some result patterns in the all-around individual competitions. Basic procedures. By courtesy of the FIG, we received material for this analysis consisting of the official ranking of results in the four consecutive events of women`s sports gymnastics during the Olympic Games. Variance analysis was applied in order to compare the 112 average scores, and the level of competitors` sports achievements was also taken into account (Groups A and B) together with the time factor (years 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000). Additionally, cluster analysis was used. Main findings. There was a downward trend in the scores obtained in all the events, especially during the Olympics Games of 1996 and 2000. The female athletes obtained the lowest scores in the balance beam event, which is clearly an indication of its difficulty. Athletes with the result pattern characterized by the judges` verdicts in the order: floor exercise, uneven bars, vault, balance beam, were all qualified as top "Group A". Conclusions. The findings may indicate that the female athletes were not able to keep abreast with the ever-increasing requirements of the judges. An improvement in the quality of exercises in the most difficult event (with the lowest scores) might leave some room for female contestants to obtain better scores during all four gymnastic events.
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