EVOLUTION, DEVELOPMENT AND CHALLENGES OF JUDGING IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS:

AN ANALYSIS BY YUMI YAMAMOTO SAWASATO

Abstract

This article provides a critical analysis of the evolution and challenges in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics evaluation in Brazil and worldwide. We interviewed Professor Yumi Yamamoto Sawasato, a leading Latin American authority in gymnastics judging, who has participated in five Olympic Games and received numerous honors from the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique. Employing a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews, we explored themes such as the evolution of scoring codes, challenges in the judging career, and the future of gymnastics judging. Examining the experience of this national and international reference enables us to raise new questions and set objectives to advance the development of the sport.