Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, continues to push the boundaries of the sport, often leading to her being penalised for her extraordinary skills.
The scoring system in gymnastics is designed to balance difficulty and execution. However, when a gymnast like Simone Biles performs moves so complex they are considered "too risky," the judges face a unique dilemma. Biles has faced this challenge, most notably during Team USA's championship series when she was penalised for a dismount off the beam, despite executing the move perfectly.
The difficulty of Biles' routines, particularly her intricate dismounts, has led to her signature moves being named after her. She is one of many gymnasts to have their own unique moves recognised in the sport.
So, how does the scoring system work, and how does it handle the unique challenge of Biles' skills?
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the sport's governing body, oversees the scoring system. It has implemented a complex system that considers several factors:
Start Value: This is a base score assigned to each routine, reflecting its difficulty. The higher the difficulty, the higher the start value.
Execution: Judges assess the gymnast's performance, looking for factors like fluidity, form, and accuracy. Deductions are made for errors or mistakes.
Artistic Impression: This component judges the gymnast's artistry, including their style, expression, and overall presentation.
The scoring system is designed to encourage innovation and technical excellence. However, the safety of the gymnasts is paramount. The FIG's Technical Committee (WTC) has stated that when assigning values to new elements, "the risk, the safety of the gymnasts and the technical direction of the discipline" are taken into consideration. The potential landing on the neck, for example, is a factor that judges must consider when evaluating the risk associated with double salto dismounts on the beam.
This balancing act between pushing the limits of the sport and ensuring gymnast safety is a constant challenge for the FIG. As Biles continues to innovate, the scoring system will need to adapt to accommodate the ever-increasing difficulty of her routines.
One thing is certain: Simone Biles will continue to redefine the possibilities of gymnastics, forcing the sport to evolve alongside her.