top of page

The Legacy of Simone Biles: Evolution of Women's Artistic Gymnastics Elements

Updated: Feb 20

In the world of Women's Artistic Gymnastics, few names carry as much weight as Simone Biles. Her incredible skills and unmatched talent have left an indelible mark on the sport. This educational blog post explores the history and significance of four elements named after Biles in the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Code of Points. Join us as we delve into the fascinating details behind these groundbreaking gymnastics maneuvers.



1. The Biles Vault: Pushing the Limits of Difficulty

One of the elements named after Simone Biles is the Biles Vault. Introduced at the 2018 World Championships, it involves a roundoff, back handspring with a half turn entry, followed by a front stretched somersault with two twists. This extraordinary vault is regarded as one of the most difficult in Women's Artistic Gymnastics, showcasing Biles' incredible athleticism and precision.


2. Yurchenko Double Pike: Breaking New Ground

Another groundbreaking element associated with Biles is the Yurchenko Double Pike. This vault made its debut at the 2021 U.S. Classic, with Biles being the first woman to attempt and successfully execute it. The Yurchenko Double Pike represents an unprecedented level of difficulty, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in gymnastics. Its potential inclusion in the Code of Points continues to be a topic of discussion within the gymnastics community.



3. Biles Beam Dismount: Technical Mastery and Artistry

Simone Biles' impact extends beyond the vault, as evidenced by her signature beam dismount. Biles began training the double-twisting double-tucked salto backwards dismount in 2013. She showcased her mastery of this intricate maneuver at the 2019 U.S. National Championships. Although there were debates about the rating assigned to this skill, it remains the highest-valued dismount on the balance beam in the Code of Points.



4. Biles Floor Exercise: Innovating the Art of Tumbling #BilesFloorExercise #GymnasticsEvolution #UnforgettableFlair

On the floor exercise, Biles has captivated audiences with her exceptional skills. Her double layout with a half twist, debuted in 2013, bears her name as a testament to its difficulty and artistic flair. Over the years, a select few gymnasts, including Trinity Thomas and Gabrielle Clark, have successfully performed the Biles on the floor exercise, but Biles remains the trailblazer who introduced this awe-inspiring element to the world.


Simone Biles has redefined the boundaries of Women's Artistic Gymnastics through her unmatched skills and dedication. The elements named after her showcase not only her remarkable physical abilities but also her profound impact on the sport. As gymnastics continues to evolve, Biles' legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of gymnasts to push the limits of what is possible.

14 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page