Iron cross (gymnastics)
An iron cross, also known as a crucifix or cross, is a gymnastics skill on the rings in which the body is suspended upright while the arms are extended laterally, forming the shape of the Christian cross. It is a move that requires significant shoulder and bicep tendon strength.
Current world record is held by Ivan Misetic
The International Gymnastics Federation Code of Points refers to the skill as a cross and lists it as a "B" difficulty value strength hold element.
Variants
Variations of the iron cross listed in the FIG Code of Points include:- L cross : the cross is performed with the body held in an L-sit position.
- V cross : the cross is performed with the body in a tight piked position and the legs held vertically.
- Inverted cross : the cross is performed in an inverted position.
- Maltese cross or swallow : the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with arms extended laterally.
- Victorian cross or inverted swallow : an inverted Maltese cross, with the body held parallel to the ground and facing up.