Issued as an airmail stamp, this design was part of the extensive philatelic program leading up to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The stamp, designed by Robert Peak, captures the artistry of women's gymnastics, a sport that was gaining immense popularity in the United States, partly due to the success of athletes in the preceding years. The abstract, colorful background conveys the energy and motion of the sport, while the silhouetted figure of the gymnast on the balance beam emphasizes her form and control. This stamp was one of four in a block that also featured women's basketball, soccer, and men's hurdles, all celebrating the diverse athletic events of the Olympic Games.