Simone Biles, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, has delivered some of the most spectacular floor exercise routines in the history of the sport. Her tumbling passes are packed with extremely difficult skills performed with incredible power and precision.
Let’s take a look at some of her most notable floor scores across her illustrious career.
2016 Rio Olympics
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles won gold on floor exercise with a score of 15.966. Her routine featured her signature move, a double layout half out, which would later be named “The Biles” in the Code of Points.
She tumbled with amazing height and distance, and her leaps and dance elements showed beautiful extension and artistry. Her 15.966 was the highest score on floor in Rio by a wide margin.
2019 World Championships
Biles broke her own record on floor at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. In the floor final, she earned a massive 15.133 for her stunning routine, the highest score ever awarded under the current Code of Points.
Her routine included a triple-twisting double tuck, a double layout half out, a double double tuck, and a full-twisting double tuck. Her score helped lead the U.S. women to the team gold medal.
2020 Tokyo Olympics
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), Biles withdrew from several events to prioritize her mental health.
However, she returned to compete in the floor final, where she showcased her resilience and artistry, earning a bronze medal with a score of 14.000. Although not her highest-scoring routine, this performance was particularly meaningful given the circumstances and underscored her enduring impact on the sport.
2021 U.S. Championships
After a long layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Tokyo Olympics, Biles returned to competition at the 2021 U.S. Championships. She debuted a new and incredibly difficult skill on floor – a triple-twisting double layout.
She is the first woman to perform this skill, which will be named after her in the Code of Points. Even with a few form breaks on some of her passes, Biles still easily won the floor title with a two-day total of 29.250 (14.650 on Day 1 + 14.600 on Day 2).
2024 Paris Olympics
Biles made a triumphant return to the Olympics at the 2024 Paris Games. In the team final, she contributed a strong floor routine, scoring 14.666 to help the U.S. team secure gold. In the individual floor final, she showcased her elegance and power, earning a silver medal with a score of 14.133.
| Date | Competition Name | Notable Move(s) | D-Score | E-Score | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 14, 2016 | 2016 Rio Olympics (Event Final) | The Biles (double layout with a half twist) | 6.8 | 9.166 | 15.966 |
| Oct 12, 2019 | 2019 World Championships (Event Final) | Triple-twisting double tuck | 6.7 | 8.433 | 15.133 |
| Aug 2, 2021 | 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Event Final) | 6.1 | 7.900 | 14.000 | |
| June 6, 2021 | 2021 U.S. Championships (Day 2) | Triple-twisting double layout (debut) | 6.7 | 7.900 | 14.600 |
| Aug 1, 2024 | 2024 Paris Olympics (Team Final) | 5.8 | 8.866 | 14.666 | |
| Aug 5, 2024 | 2024 Paris Olympics (Event Final) | 5.7 | 8.433 | 14.133 |
What Was Simone Biles Highest Floor Score?
Simone Biles’ highest floor score was 15.966, which she achieved during the 2016 Rio Olympics. This remarkable score was achieved under the open-ended scoring system implemented in gymnastics after the “Perfect 10” system was removed.
Biles’ routine in Rio included her signature move, a double layout half out (now called “The Biles”), as well as other highly challenging tumbling passes.
Here’s a breakdown of the skill:
- Skill Composition: A double layout is a straight-body, two-flip salto. Simone adds a half-twist after the second flip, significantly increasing the difficulty compared to a standard double layout. Maintaining a straight body position throughout the skill requires immense core strength and control.
- Twist Timing: Executing the half-twist during the second flip is highly technical. The gymnast must initiate the twist at precisely the right moment to complete the rotation before landing. Twisting too early or too late can result in form breaks or landing errors.
- Landing Challenge: Sticking the landing on a skill of this difficulty is a feat in itself. Simone’s exceptional air awareness and body control allow her to land the Biles with minimal deductions for steps or balance checks. Many gymnasts struggle to maintain control on the landing after performing such a complex and powerful skill.
In summary, Simone Biles has revolutionized floor exercise with her unmatched difficulty and flawless execution. She has two eponymous skills on floor: the Biles (double layout half out) and the Biles II (triple-twisting double layout).
Her performances have consistently earned the highest scores under the current Code of Points, and her innovation and skill continue to raise the bar for gymnastics worldwide.
