Women’s artistic gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – between prediction and reality (apparatus finals)

Abstract Aim. Performance prediction can support or influence tactical and strategic preparation. Although artistic gymnastics is considered a sport discipline with high demands across all components of preparation, the tactical approach to a competition can, at times, become the key factor that determines the outcome and can make the difference in achieving a top podium position. The aim of this study is to conduct an analysis comparing our predictions with the actual results obtained by the athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We also seek to highlight the importance of predictive analysis in major competitions as a means to guide athlete preparation in an efficient manner Material and method. We analyzed the results achieved by the gymnasts in the apparatus finals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For each apparatus, we conducted a comparison between the prediction made in the aforementioned article and the results obtained in the Olympic finals. Results. When predicting results and future performances, we must take into account the uniqueness of each competition, its atmosphere and stakes, as well as the psychological balance that a gymnast must maintain. Although we attempted to formulate predictions by analyzing all continental competitions earlier in the Olympic year, we found that many gymnasts did not participate in these events, as they were not a priority for them. Their strategy was one of discreet preparation, entering directly into the Olympic Games. For this reason, in the future, when developing performance predictions, we will aim to focus on national competitions of countries with strong individual gymnasts.