In gymnastics, a “salto” refers to a somersault performed in the air, without the hands touching the ground. This move can be executed in various positions such as tucked, piked, or laid out (straight), and can be included in floor routines, vaults, and other apparatuses like the beam and bars.
Historical Background of the Salto
The term ‘Salto’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Saltare,’ meaning ‘to leap.’ Its origin is traced back to 19th-century Europe, where the sport of gymnastics was starting to gain popularity.
In the mid-20th century, with the advent of televised competitions, the Salto began to capture the public’s imagination. Gymnasts like Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci during the 1970s popularized complex salto moves during their Olympic routines, influencing generations of gymnasts.
Today, the Salto is a fundamental part of gymnastics, featuring in every apparatus and floor routine in both men’s and women’s gymnastics. Gymnasts now perform multiple twisting and flipping variations of the salto, such as the double and triple salto, pike, tuck, and layout positions.
The Thomas Salto: Why Is It Banned?
The Thomas Salto is a complex gymnastics skill named after Kurt Thomas, an American gymnast who popularized it in the late 1970s. This move involves a 1.5 backward salto (somersault) with 1.5 twists into a forward roll out.
The move is a tucked variation of the Korbut Flip, which involves a backward somersault from the high bar to a hang on the low bar. The Thomas Salto is similar but performed with a half twist, meaning the gymnast rotates 180 degrees in the air before catching the low bar.
Kurt Thomas was the first gymnast to perform this move in an international competition, and it quickly became one of his signature elements, showcasing his unique skills and creativity. Although spectacular, the Thomas Salto has been banned in both men’s and women’s gymnastics by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
The skill requires the gymnast to land in a roll-out position from a somersault with multiple twists. It can lead to uncontrolled landings, significantly increasing the risk of severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, concussions, and neck injuries.
Soviet gymnast Elena Mukhina attempted a similar move, the Thomas Salto with a full twist, which led to a severe neck injury and paralysis. The ban on the Thomas Salto aimed to reduce the incidence of injuries and promote safer practices within the sport.
Variations of The Move Salto
The salto is a foundational element in gymnastics. It forms the basis of many advanced skills on various apparatuses. Here’s a look at some of the key variations:
1. Forward Salto
A forward salto involves a forward rotational movement in the air, where the gymnast flips head over heels. The gymnast typically takes off from one or both feet, tucks their knees to their chest (tucked position), or extends their body into a piked or straight position during the rotation.
This move is common in floor routines and can be seen on the beam and vault. The forward salto can be executed from a standing position or as part of a running pass on the floor.
2. Backward Salto
In a backward salto, the gymnast rotates backward over their head, similar to a backflip.
It starts with a backward take-off, using a backward swing of the arms and a push through the legs to gain height. The body position during the salto can be tucked, piked, or laid out.
This is a fundamental skill across many gymnastics disciplines, including floor, beam, and bars. It’s also a critical element in the Yurchenko vault, where it follows a roundoff entry onto the vault table.
3. Twisting Salto
A twisting salto adds a horizontal spin to the vertical flipping motion. During the salto, the gymnast rotates along the longitudinal axis (head-to-toe). The number of twists can vary from a half twist to multiple twists.
Twisting saltos increase the complexity and difficulty of routines. They are prevalent in floor exercises and vaults, where gymnasts combine high flips with multiple twists to achieve higher scores.
4. Sideways Salto
A sideways salto, less common than the forward or backward versions, involves a side flip motion where the gymnast rotates sideways over their shoulder.
It typically involves a lateral take-off, with the gymnast tucking or piking sideways. The motion is akin to a cartwheel but performed in the air without hand support.
This type of salto is more rare and typically seen in floor routines, especially within sequences that include a variety of directional changes and elements.
Applications Across Apparatuses
- Floor Exercise: The floor provides the most versatility for performing various salto variations due to the space and the springiness of the floor.
- Beam: Saltos on the beam are particularly challenging due to the narrow surface. Forward, backward, and sometimes twisting saltos are performed, often as dismounts or critical elements within the routine.
- Vault: The dynamics of vaulting allow for powerful backward and twisting saltos as gymnasts push off the vault table after a strong run and roundoff entry.
- Uneven Bars and Parallel Bars: On bars, backward and twisting saltos are common in dismounts, with gymnasts using the momentum and swing from the bars to execute high-flying elements.
Each variation of the salto adds a unique dimension to a gymnast’s routine, testing their aerial awareness, precision, and technical skill. Advanced variations like multiple twists or combinations (e.g., double backward salto with a twist) significantly increase the difficulty and are thrilling both to perform and to watch.
