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.

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 (B difficulty): the cross is performed with the body held in an L-sit position.
 * V cross (C difficulty): the cross is performed with the body in a tight piked position and the legs held vertically.
 * Inverted cross (C difficulty): the cross is performed in an inverted (upside down) position.
 * Maltese cross or swallow (D difficulty): the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with arms extended laterally.
 * Victorian cross or inverted swallow (E difficulty): an inverted Maltese cross, with the body held parallel to the ground and facing up.