Simone Biles made headlines again with her latest beam routine, showcasing groundbreaking skills and creativity that have left the gymnastics community buzzing. Her routine, filled with intricate elements and impressive acrobatics, represents a new level of innovation in the sport. Despite a notable hop on the beam, which affected her score, Biles’s performance was a testament to her skill and artistic vision.

Historically, beam routines evolved significantly. In the 1980s and 1990s, gymnasts often began with dramatic mounts, like those performed by Shannon Miller and Kim Zmeskal, which, while visually striking, were risky. Handstand mounts also became less common over time, as they required extensive effort and time.

Modern beam routines focus on high difficulty and fluid connections between elements to maximize scores. Skills like the hip circle and quad series, once popular, have faded due to changes in scoring criteria and the emphasis on acrobatics. Similarly, the Arabesque position and side dismounts have been phased out for more challenging dismounts and inventive mounts.

Biles’s approach to her routine illustrates this evolution. She starts with a bold acrobatic move, setting a high standard with her aerial walkover and tumbling pass, including a layout stepout with a full twist. Her dismount, a double backflip with two twists, is a spectacular finish.

At the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, despite a shaky start, Biles displayed resilience and technical prowess, scoring 13.65 on beam and surpassing her competitors. Her floor routine, set to an instrumental track, earned her a standing ovation and highlighted her exceptional ability to recover from setbacks.

Biles’s routine not only sets a new benchmark for gymnastics but also inspires other gymnasts to innovate and elevate their performances. Her influence is expected to drive future changes in routines and choreography, emphasizing a blend of difficulty and execution that captures both high scores and visual appeal.