Order Effects in Elite Gymnastics

We study the effect of order of performances on the final execution score in artistic gymnastics. We use data from all the finals for both genders at the main gymnastics tournaments in the period between 2009 and 2017 where the order of performances was fully randomised. We find that female gymnasts who perform later receive on average a significantly higher execution score for their routine, however, we find no effect of the order of performances in men’s competitions. The existence of subjective evaluation only in female competitions considering artistry, could be one of the possible explanations for gender differences. We also find no relationship between the score of an athlete and his or her immediate predecessor.