In the world of gymnastics, having a move named after you is like winning a gold medal. It’s a huge honor and means that you’ve done something truly unique. But how does it actually happen? Let’s break it down.
1. Innovation and Originality
The first step in having a move named after a gymnast involves creating a skill never performed in an official competition.
This skill must be innovative and add a new dimension to the sport. Gymnasts and their coaches often spend considerable time developing and perfecting these new moves to ensure they meet the criteria for uniqueness and difficulty.
2. Successful Execution in Major Competition
Gymnasts must successfully perform the new skill during a major international competition, such as the World Championships or the Olympic Games. This ensures the move is judged and recognized at the highest level of competition.
The move must be performed flawlessly during the competition, as any mistakes can disqualify it from being considered for naming.
3. Submission and Evaluation
Once a new skill is developed, it must be submitted to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for evaluation.
The submission includes a detailed description and often a video of the skill being performed. The FIG then reviews the move to ensure it meets all necessary criteria and does not duplicate any existing skills.
4. Official Naming
Once approved, the new move is included in the FIG Code of Points, the official rulebook for gymnastics.
The move is then officially named after the gymnast who first performed it. This inclusion is a formal recognition of the gymnast’s contribution to the sport.
Why It Matters?
When a move is named after a gymnast, it’s a big deal. It means they’ve made a mark on the sport forever. Other gymnasts will learn and maybe even use their moves in competitions, spreading their legacy.
For the gymnast, it’s a way of being remembered long after they’ve stopped competing. It’s not just about fame; it’s about contributing to the sport they love.
Examples of Named Moves
Many renowned gymnasts have had moves named after them, each reflecting their unique contributions to gymnastics. For instance:
- The Biles: Named after Simone Biles, this move includes several highly difficult elements across different apparatuses. On the floor, “The Biles” is a double layout half out, while on the beam, “The Biles” involves a double-double dismount.
- The Yurchenko: Named after Natalia Yurchenko, this move involves a round-off onto the springboard followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table and then a salto. This skill has multiple variations and is a staple in vault routines.
- The Silivas: Named after Romanian gymnast Daniela Silivas, this skill is a double-twisting double back on the floor. It was revolutionary at the time and showcased Silivas’s extraordinary tumbling ability.
- The Shaposhnikova: This uneven bars transition is named after Natalia Shaposhnikova and involves a transition from the low bar to the high bar with significant flight, which was innovative during her time.
Which Gymnast Has The Most Skills Named After Them?
In the history of gymnastics, several athletes have achieved the remarkable feat of having multiple skills named after them.
As of 2024, Simone Biles and Nellie Kim are the gymnasts with the most skills named after them, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles, often regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, has five skills named after her across different apparatuses. These skills showcase her remarkable talent and ability to push the boundaries of the sport:
Vault:
- Biles: A roundoff with a half-twist onto the vaulting table, followed by a front double full somersault off, introduced at the 2018 World Championships.
- Biles II: A Yurchenko-style vault with two flips in a pike position, first performed at the 2023 World Championships.
Balance Beam:
- Biles: A double-double dismount (two flips and two twists) from the balance beam, which debuted at the 2019 World Championships.
Floor Exercise:
- Biles: A double layout with a half-twist in the second flip, performed at the 2013 World Championships.
- Biles II: A triple-double (two flips and three twists), introduced at the 2019 World Championships.
Nellie Kim
Nellie Kim, a former Soviet gymnast, holds the record for the most elements named after a female gymnast, with a total of seven skills across various apparatuses:
- Vault: Three original skills, reflecting her pioneering contributions.
- Balance Beam: Two skills.
- Floor Exercise: Two skills.
Kim’s achievements date back to the 1976 and 1980 Olympics, where she won five gold medals and became the second female gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics after Nadia Comăneci.
The Most Commonly Performed Named Skills in Gymnastics
In gymnastics, a lot of moves are named after the athletes who first did them in big competitions. These moves often become popular in routines because they’re challenging and can score high points.
Here are some of the most common named moves on different equipment.
Vault
Gymnastics is a sport known for its impressive array of skills, many of which are named after the gymnasts who first performed them. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly performed named skills across various apparatus in women’s gymnastics.
Vault
- Yurchenko Vault: One of the most well-known vaults, the Yurchenko involves a round-off onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and a backflip off. This vault has several variations depending on the number of twists performed.
- Amanar: Named after Simona Amanar, this vault is a Yurchenko entry followed by a 2.5 twisting layout backflip. It is one of the most difficult and impressive vaults regularly performed in competitions.
- Cheng: Named after Cheng Fei, this vault is a round-off half-on to a front layout with one and a half twists. It’s one of the more difficult vaults due to the combination of twists and direction changes.
Uneven Bars
- Tkachev (Reverse Hecht): Named after Alexander Tkachev, this release move involves a high-flying straddle over the bar and is performed by both male and female gymnasts. It’s a staple in high-level bar routines.
- Maloney: This skill, named after Kristin Maloney, involves a swing backward to a handstand on the high bar with a 360-degree turn. It is a fundamental transition element in many uneven bars routines.
- Shaposhnikova: Named after Natalia Shaposhnikova, this skill is a transition move from the low bar to the high bar, involving a free hip circle to handstand and a flight to catch the high bar. It’s known for its dynamic and powerful execution.
- Jaeger: Named after Bernd Jaeger, this release move involves a forward salto in a straddle or pike position over the bar. It is a spectacular and high-flying element that requires precise timing and coordination.
Balance Beam
- Onodi: Named after Henrietta Onodi, this skill is a backward handspring with a half twist into a front handspring. It is highly valued for its difficulty and the unique combination of forward and backward elements.
- Wolf Turn: Popularized by Terin Humphrey, this turn involves spinning on one leg in a squat position, often multiple times. It is a common skill in beam routines due to its high value and the artistry it adds to the performance.
- Korbut Flip: Named after Olga Korbut, this iconic skill involves standing on the high beam, performing a backflip, and regrasping the beam. It is one of the most memorable and daring skills in gymnastics history.
Floor Exercise
- Biles: Named after Simone Biles, this floor skill involves a double layout with a half twist. It’s known for its high difficulty and blind landing, making it a signature move in many of Biles’ routines.
- Dos Santos: Named after Daiane dos Santos, this skill is a double Arabian (two front flips in a tuck position with a half twist) and is a popular and highly difficult tumbling pass.
- Memmel Turn: Named after Chellsie Memmel, this turn involves a full turn with the leg held high, often above horizontal. It’s a common choice for gymnasts to fulfill turn requirements with flair.
For more details on these and other named skills, you can refer to sources like USA Gymnastics and NBC Olympics.
