Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her extraordinary talent, power, and innovation have transformed the sport of gymnastics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Biles’ legacy is the fact that she has multiple skills officially named after her in the gymnastics Code of Points.
This article will explore the various moves named after Simone Biles, the significance of having a skill named after a gymnast, and how Biles’ contributions have shaped modern gymnastics.
What Does It Mean to Have a Skill Named After You?
In gymnastics, when an athlete successfully performs a new skill at a major international competition (such as the World Championships or the Olympic Games), that skill can be officially recognized and named after the gymnast.
This process is governed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
Having a skill named after you is a tremendous honor. It means that your innovation and athleticism have made a permanent mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of gymnasts.
“To have a skill bear your name is to have your contribution immortalized in the history of gymnastics.”
Simone Biles: A Pioneer of New Moves
Simone Biles’ extraordinary power and skill have allowed her to invent and perform some of the most difficult moves ever seen in gymnastics. She has multiple eponymous skills across different apparatus, including vault, floor exercise, and balance beam.
Below is a detailed table summarizing the moves named after Simone Biles:
| Apparatus | Move Name | Description | Difficulty Rating | Year Named |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vault | The Biles | A Yurchenko vault with two twists in layout position | Difficulty Value: 6.4 (Highest in Women’s Vault) | 2018 |
| Floor Exercise | The Biles (Double Layout) | A double-twisting double backflip in a laid-out position | Difficulty Value: I (0.9) | 2013 |
| Floor Exercise | The Biles II (Triple-Twisting Double Layout) | A triple-twisting double backflip in a laid-out position | Difficulty Value: J (1.0) | 2019 |
| Balance Beam | The Biles | A double-twisting double backflip dismount | Difficulty Value: G (0.7) | 2019 |
Explanation of Difficulty Ratings
The FIG assigns difficulty ratings to skills, ranging from A (easiest) to I, J and beyond (most difficult). Simone Biles consistently performs skills rated at the highest difficulty levels, making her routines among the most challenging in the world.
The Biles on Vault
One of Simone Biles’ most famous moves is the vault named after her. It is a Yurchenko double twist, which involves a round-off onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and then two twists in a laid-out position during the post-flight phase.
This vault is considered the most difficult vault performed by any female gymnast today, with a difficulty score of 6.4, which is the highest in women’s vault history. Biles first performed this vault at the 2018 World Championships, where it was officially recognized and added to the Code of Points.
“The vault is a spectacular showcase of power and precision. Simone’s ability to twist twice in the air after such a dynamic entry is awe-inspiring.”
The Biles on Floor Exercise
Simone Biles has two skills named after her on floor exercise, both of which are tumbling passes involving multiple flips and twists.
The first, simply called “The Biles,” is a double layout backflip with two twists. It is a move of extreme complexity, requiring exceptional aerial awareness and strength.
Her second floor skill, known as “The Biles II,” takes this complexity to another level. It is a triple-twisting double layout backflip — one of the most difficult floor exercise moves ever performed by a female gymnast.
This skill was first performed in competition in 2019.
The Biles on Balance Beam
On the balance beam, Simone Biles has a dismount named after her. This dismount is a double-twisting double backflip — an incredibly risky and difficult move to perform on such a narrow apparatus.
Performing this dismount not only requires tremendous power but also precision and balance. Biles’ ability to execute it flawlessly in competition further cements her status as a revolutionary gymnast.
Why Are Simone Biles’ Moves So Revolutionary?
Simone Biles’ moves are revolutionary because they push the envelope of difficulty and innovation in gymnastics. She combines exceptional physical strength, speed, and spatial awareness to perform skills that many other gymnasts cannot even attempt.
Her moves have raised the bar for what is possible in women’s gymnastics, inspiring other athletes to increase their own difficulty and creativity. This has contributed to an evolution in the sport, where higher difficulty and dynamic skills are becoming the new standard.
Impact on Gymnastics and Future Generations
Simone Biles’ signature moves not only add to her personal legacy but also influence the sport as a whole. Coaches and gymnasts worldwide study her techniques and train to replicate or build upon her innovations.
Her skills have expanded the Code of Points, offering new options for gymnasts to increase their routine difficulty and compete at the highest levels.
“Simone’s impact transcends medals and titles. She has redefined what female gymnasts can achieve.”
Summary of Simone Biles’ Eponymous Skills
| Skill | Apparatus | Difficulty | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Biles (Vault) | Vault | 6.4 (Highest Difficulty) | Most difficult vault in women’s gymnastics |
| The Biles | Floor Exercise | I (0.9) | Double layout with two twists |
| The Biles II | Floor Exercise | J (1.0) | Triple-twisting double layout |
| The Biles (Beam Dismount) | Balance Beam | G (0.7) | Double-twisting double backflip dismount |
Conclusion
Simone Biles does indeed have multiple moves named after her, across several apparatus in gymnastics. These skills reflect her groundbreaking contributions to the sport, showcasing her unmatched athleticism and creativity.
Her eponymous moves will continue to inspire gymnasts for decades, serving as milestones of innovation and excellence. Simone Biles’ legacy is not only defined by her medals but also by her unique imprint on the gymnastics world — a legacy literally written in the Code of Points.
As gymnastics continues to evolve, the moves named after Simone Biles will remain a testament to her extraordinary talent, courage, and determination.
