Simone Biles is known for performing some of the most challenging gymnastics moves in the sport, with several moves named after her due to their extreme difficulty. Here is a ranking of her gymnastic moves by difficulty score, from easiest to hardest:
| Move Name | Year of Performance | Difficulty Level | Difficulty Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biles on Floor (Double Layout Half-Out) | 2013 | 6.0 | G |
| Biles I on Vault (Amanar) | 2013 | 5.8 – 6.0 | E – F |
| Biles on Beam (Double-Twisting Double Back) | 2019 | 6.2 | H |
| Biles II on Floor (Triple-Double) | 2019 | 6.6 | H |
| Biles II on Vault (Yurchenko Double Pike) | 2021 | 6.4 | H |
1. Biles on Floor (Double Layout Half-Out)
Difficulty Score: Approximately 6.0
Description: The move consists of a double layout with a half-twist before landing. Specifically, the gymnast performs two backflips in a laid-out (straight) position, with a half-twist added during the second flip.
Historical Significance
Simone Biles first introduced the double layout half-out at the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.
This competition was a pivotal moment in her career, marking her debut on the world stage and establishing her as a formidable force in gymnastics.
Recent Performances
In her latest performances, Biles has demonstrated that her prowess remains unmatched.
For instance, at the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, she executed the double layout half-out flawlessly, contributing to her all-around score of 60.450, a significant achievement as she prepares for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
2. Biles I on Vault (Amanar)
Difficulty Score: 5.8 to 6.0
Description: The Biles I, also known as the Amanar, involves a round-off onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and 2.5 twists in the air before landing. This move requires significant height and precision.
Historical Context
Biles has used this vault in several high-stakes competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympics. Notably, she performed the Amanar successfully at the 2016 Rio Olympics, contributing to her all-around gold medal victory.
However, Biles faced challenges with the Amanar at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021. She performed only a 1.5 twist instead of the intended 2.5 twists, and subsequently withdrew from several events to prioritize her mental health.
Recent Developments
Despite past challenges, Simone Biles has teased the return of the Amanar in recent training sessions.
In 2023, she shared videos of herself practicing the Amanar, sparking excitement among fans and the gymnastics community. These training clips suggest that Biles is not only refining her existing skills but also preparing to debut even more difficult vaults in the future.
3. Biles on Beam (Double-Twisting Double Back)
Difficulty Score: 6.2
Description: The move involves performing a double backflip with two twists (double-twisting double back) as a dismount from the balance beam.
Historical Context and Development
Simone Biles first introduced the double-twisting double back dismount during the 2019 World Championships.
This groundbreaking move was immediately recognized for its difficulty and was named after her, becoming known as “the Biles” on beam. This dismount earned a high difficulty rating, reflecting the technical prowess required to execute it successfully.
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), Biles faced challenges related to mental health, particularly dealing with the “twisties,” a condition that affects a gymnast’s spatial awareness mid-air.
Despite these challenges, Biles managed to compete on the balance beam, although she opted for a simpler dismount (the double pike) instead of her eponymous double-twisting double back.
Recent Performances and Impact
Biles has continued to work on her signature skills, including the double-twisting double back dismount.
In recent training sessions leading up to the 2023 and 2024 competitions, she has been seen practicing this and other high-difficulty elements, indicating her readiness to push the envelope further in her routines.
4. Biles II on Floor (Triple-Double)
Difficulty Score: 6.6
Description: The Biles II on the floor is a triple-twisting double backflip. It involves two flips and three twists, requiring immense strength and aerial awareness, and is one of the hardest skills on the floor exercise.
Historical Context
Simone Biles first introduced the Biles II at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
This performance marked a significant milestone, as she became the first woman to successfully execute this move in competition. The skill was subsequently named after her, adding to the repertoire of moves bearing her name.
Recent Performances
Biles reintroduced the Biles II in her routine at the 2024 U.S. Classic, marking her first performance of this skill since the Tokyo Olympics. Her execution of the Biles II at this event highlighted her readiness and confidence as she prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This routine, set to the energetic backdrop of Taylor Swift’s “Ready for It,” demonstrated her physical and mental resilience following her struggles with mental health issues.
5. Biles II on Vault (Yurchenko Double Pike)
Difficulty Score: 6.4
Description: The most difficult move in Biles’ repertoire, the Yurchenko double pike involves a round-off onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and two mid-air somersaults in the pike position before landing.
Historical Context
Simone Biles first performed the Yurchenko double pike vault at the 2021 U.S. Classic but did not compete it at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to her struggles with mental health, specifically the “twisties,” which affect a gymnast’s spatial awareness mid-air.
However, she officially debuted the vault at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, making her the first woman to complete this vault in international competition. This achievement led to the vault being named “the Biles II” in her honor.
Recent Performances
Biles’ performance of the Yurchenko double pike at the 2023 World Championships earned her a score of 15.266, reflecting the vault’s high difficulty and her near-perfect execution. Her ability to perform such a complex skill with precision after overcoming significant mental and physical challenges underscores her extraordinary talent and determination.
Her return to competition and successful execution of the Biles II has been a major highlight in her career, demonstrating her resilience and continued dominance in the sport. This vault, along with other high-difficulty elements she performs, cements her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
This vault has the highest difficulty score among women’s gymnastics vaults due to its technical demands and high risk.
