Paris – Simone Biles is not just a gymnast. She is a trailblazer, a pioneer, and a force to be reckoned with in the world of gymnastics. At just 27 years old, she has already made history and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. As she competes for her eighth Olympic medal in Paris, it is clear that Biles is not content with simply doing gymnastics. She is determined to take the sport to new heights and leave a lasting legacy.
From the very beginning of her career, Biles has been focused on pushing the sport in new directions. She has always been determined to do things that have never been done before, and she has succeeded in doing just that. In fact, five elements currently bear her name in the Code of Points, a testament to her incredible talent and determination.
One of the most iconic Biles elements is her floor exercise pass, known as Biles I. At the 2013 World Championships, Biles, then just a teenager and newly crowned national champion, wowed the world with a tumbling pass that included a double layout with a half-twist at the end. This move, while looking dangerous, was actually a strategic decision made by Biles and her coach at the time, Aimee Boorman. Biles’ legs were hurting, and this pass was less taxing on them. It was a perfect example of how necessity truly is the mother of invention.
But Biles was not content with just one iconic element. After taking a two-year break from the sport following her historic performance at the 2016 Olympics, she returned in 2018 with a new goal in mind – to push herself even further. And that she did. Biles began working on a triple-twisting, double flip, now known as “the triple-double.” She unveiled this move at the 2019 U.S. Championships and then again at the World Championships, where she won her record-breaking sixth world all-around title. Her explanation for attempting this move? She simply wanted to see how it looked. That’s the kind of determination and fearlessness that sets Biles apart from the rest.
But Biles’ dominance is not limited to the floor exercise. She has also made her mark on the vault, with two elements bearing her name. Biles I (vault version) is a Cheng vault with an added half twist, making it even more difficult than the original vault done by China’s Cheng Fei. This element was added to the Code of Points after Biles performed it at the 2018 World Championships. And just when we thought she couldn’t possibly top that, Biles unveiled Biles II (vault version) – a Yurchenko double pike. This move had never been completed by a woman in competition, and few men have even attempted it. Biles’ power and precision in executing this move is truly a sight to behold and has earned her a standing ovation at the U.S. Olympic trials.
But Biles’ mastery of the balance beam should not be overlooked. In 2019, the same year she debuted the triple-double on floor, she added a double-twisting, double-tucked dismount off the beam. This move, while not currently in her repertoire, is a testament to her incredible skill and ability to make even the most difficult moves seem effortless.
And just when we thought Biles had done it all, she submitted a new uneven bars skill for consideration in the Code of Points. This skill requires her to do a forward circle around the lower bar before turning a handstand into a 540-degree pirouette. While she did not attempt this move during the team or all-around competitions, it is a clear indication that Biles is not done pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics.
Simone Biles is not normal. She is a once-in-a-generation athlete who has redefined what it means to be a gymnast. Her determination, fearlessness, and unparalleled talent have earned her a place in history and inspired countless young gymnasts around the world. As she competes for her eighth Olympic medal in Paris, we can only imagine what new heights she will reach and what new elements will bear her name in the Code of Points. One thing is for sure – it is not enough, it has never been enough, for Simone Biles to simply do gymnastics. She will continue
