While gymnastics has a long history as the International Gymnastics Federation was founded in 1881, rhythmic gymnastics only developed more recently. The first rhythmic gymnastics world championships were held in Budapest in 1963 and the sport really began to take off 10 years later on the world stage when the U.S. participated in the 1973 World Championships.

While rhythmic gymnastics is similar to gymnastics in many ways, there are also notable differences. Rhythmic gymnastics combines elements of traditional dance with gymnastics, while also utilizing four apparatus: ribbon, hoop, ball and clubs. Only women compete in rhythmic gymnastics and there are two events: all-around and group all-around.

The sport made its debut on the Olympic program with an event only for individual competitors, but a group event was introduced 12 years later at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Russia has dominated the sport's history, winning 10 of 17 titles since rhythmic gymnastics joined the Olympic program.