Little-known 'facial expression' rule Olympic gymnasts must follow if they want to win

Gymnastics has fast become one of the eagerly-awaited, hotly-discussed and most-watched sports of the modern day Olympics.

After all, with titans like US champ Simone Biles' and Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade at the forefront of the competition, how could we not be both ruthlessly awe-inspired and ceaselessly entertained?

Whilst watching these illustrious sportswomen compete, however, a batch of viewers at home have all been left wondering the same thing about an apparent gymnastics ritual which has left them baffled.

'Why on earth do they keep pulling these bizarre faces?'.

Gymnastics is a famously smiley Olympic sport. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

It might sound like a dig, but it's true. Gymnasts are often seen with colossal grins plastered across their perfectly made-up faces, showing off their pearly whites, or even sticking their tongues out and winking.

And though one might think that these champs are just super passionate about their professional career, it turns out, that they actually have to abide by some pretty strict rules when it comes to their facial expressions.

Outlined in the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) - which contains the most up-to-date rules gymnasts must follow - organisers of these events emphasise that when conducting exercises like the floor, exaggerated faces are key.

"Expression can be defined generally as the attitude and range of emotion exhibited by the gymnast with both her face and through her body," the code of conduct writes.

"This includes how a gymnast generally presents herself and connects with the judges and the audience."

Facial expressions can determine an award-winning gymnast from an amateur. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

On top of this, gymnasts are apparently marked and ranked on their ability to control and manage their facial expressions, especially when they're carrying out some of the most extreme flips, cartwheels and turns.

Aly Raisman - former Olympic US medalist - told People magazine this week: "Gymnasts are so focused on what they're doing and gymnastics is so dangerous."

According to the official guidelines, lastly, facial expression is about acting.

"It is also her ability to play a role or a character throughout the performance," the code of conduct says.

"In addition to the technical execution, artistic harmony and feminine grace must also be considered."

This year's games have been illustrious for 27-year-old superstar Simone Biles, who, as mentioned, has already won the all-around gymnastics title for her second Olympic gold in Paris and sixth overall.

Gymnasts must maintain their facial composure. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The history-making gymnast was awarded her second incredible victory yesterday (Thursday 1 August) before a crowd full of witnesses, where she threw a sweet gesture towards her NFL star husband, Jonathan Owens.