What Is Simone Biles’ Best Event in Gymnastics?

When it comes to naming Simone Biles’ best event, both fans and experts consistently point to two standouts: the dominant power of her vault and the groundbreaking artistry of her floor exercise. While she excels across all four apparatuses, vault is widely considered her strongest event due to its unmatched difficulty, innovative elements like the “Biles II,” and record-setting scores. In this article, we’ll break down each of her top events—vault, floor, and balance beam—exploring her historical performances, scoring advantages, and strategic dominance that make her the GOAT of gymnastics.


Floor Exercise: The Foundation of Excellence

A Signature Strength

Among Simone Biles’ many athletic strengths, the floor exercise stands out as a hallmark of her gymnastics dominance. Long considered her best event, the floor routine brings together her unmatched power, artistry, and innovation, making it a true showcase of her gymnastic identity. Biles has redefined what is possible on the floor, consistently achieving some of the highest difficulty scores in the sport’s history. Her explosive tumbling passes, combined with precise dance elements and exceptional musicality, create routines that are both technically superior and crowd-pleasing.

Routine Components and Scoring

A floor exercise routine in women’s artistic gymnastics is judged based on two primary criteria: Difficulty (D-score) and Execution (E-score). Biles excels in both. Her routines typically feature four highly difficult tumbling passes—far more complex than the average elite gymnast. These include combinations rarely attempted by others due to the extreme physical demands and risks involved.

The artistry portion of the routine, which includes dance elements, leaps, and choreography, is also meticulously crafted. While Biles is known for her power, she has worked over the years to enhance the fluidity and rhythm of her dance sequences, ensuring she maximizes her E-score potential. Judges look for seamless transitions, expressive movements, and exacting technique, all of which Biles delivers with increasing finesse.

“The Biles”: A Groundbreaking Element

Perhaps one of the most iconic aspects of Biles' floor routines is her eponymous skill, “The Biles.” She has two floor elements officially named after her in the Code of Points. The most famous is “The Biles II,” a triple-twisting double backflip—currently one of the most difficult elements ever performed on floor by a female gymnast. The skill is valued at an unprecedented H-level difficulty, the highest in the Code.

Including “The Biles” in her routine not only boosts her D-score significantly but also serves as a statement of her dominance. No other gymnast has successfully performed this skill in competition, underscoring Biles’ physical and technical superiority.

Historical Performance and Records

Simone Biles has won multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals on floor exercise. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she claimed gold with a commanding performance that earned one of the highest floor scores in Olympic history. She followed this with more titles at the World Championships in 2018 and 2019, where her floor routines continuously led the field in both difficulty and execution.

Her floor scores often surpass 14.5–15.5, a range rarely achieved by other competitors under the current Code of Points. These results reflect her ability to combine high-difficulty tumbling, impeccable landings, and consistent execution, even under the pressure of major international competition.

2024 Outlook and Competitive Edge

Heading into the 2024 Olympic Games, Biles’ floor routine remains a cornerstone of her competitive strategy. Coaches and analysts alike expect her to unveil a routine with even greater refinement and possibly new elements. With the scoring potential of her current floor program still unmatched, it remains her strongest opportunity for gold.

Her dominance on floor also provides the U.S. women’s team with a strategic advantage in team competition, where individual performances contribute to the overall score. Biles’ floor routine often acts as a final, high-scoring anchor—capable of turning the tide or solidifying a lead.

Influence on the Sport

Beyond medals and scores, Biles' floor routines have reshaped the expectations and standards of the event. Aspiring gymnasts now train with higher tumbling difficulty in mind, and choreographers are rethinking how to balance artistry with athleticism. Through her performances, Biles has elevated the floor exercise to an art form that celebrates both physical prowess and expressive storytelling.

Vault: The Peak of Power

Vault has long been considered Simone Biles’ most dominant event, showcasing her extraordinary blend of power, precision, and innovation. As one of the most challenging apparatuses in women’s artistic gymnastics, the vault demands explosive speed, impeccable timing, and technical mastery—all of which Biles has elevated to new heights throughout her career.

Pioneering Vault Techniques

Biles has redefined what is possible on the vault. She is the first woman in history to perform the Yurchenko double pike in competition, a vault so complex and dangerous that it was once considered nearly impossible in women’s gymnastics. This skill, now officially named the “Biles II” in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Code of Points, carries one of the highest difficulty scores in the sport, underscoring her technical prowess and courage.

In addition to the Biles II, she has consistently executed other high-difficulty vaults, such as the Amanar (a Yurchenko 2.5 twist) and the Cheng (a roundoff half-on, layout Rudi off), both of which require extraordinary power and aerial awareness. These vaults not only contribute to her competitive edge but also serve as benchmarks for other elite gymnasts.

Scoring Powerhouse

Vault consistently yields some of Biles’ highest scores in competition. Thanks to the high difficulty values (D-scores) of her chosen vaults and her consistently excellent execution (E-scores), she frequently secures significant point advantages over her competitors. Her ability to stick landings and minimize deductions has made her nearly unbeatable on this apparatus.

At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, despite a partial withdrawal from events due to mental health struggles, Biles still secured a bronze on balance beam and left an indelible impression with her vaulting capabilities during qualifications. Looking ahead to Paris 2024, she is expected to reassert her dominance, particularly on vault, where her scoring potential is unmatched.

Competitive Advantage

Simone Biles' vaulting proficiency provides her with a strategic advantage in all-around and team competitions. Vault is typically the first event in a gymnastics rotation, setting the tone for the rest of the meet. Biles’ ability to start strong with high scores puts psychological and numerical pressure on her competitors right from the outset.

Moreover, her vault routines often include start values that are significantly higher than her rivals', giving her a cushion even if minor execution deductions occur. This scoring buffer can be decisive in both individual and team outcomes.

Historical Significance

Historically, Biles’ vaulting has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest vaulters of all time. She won the Olympic gold medal in vault at the 2016 Rio Games and has claimed multiple World Championship titles on the apparatus. In fact, her vault performances at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships were instrumental in securing her all-around and team gold medals.

Her innovative contributions have not only earned her medals but have also influenced vaulting standards globally. Coaches and athletes now look to Biles’ routines as the gold standard, and her impact has encouraged a new generation of gymnasts to push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s vaulting.

Looking Ahead

As Simone Biles prepares for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, vault remains her strongest and most decisive event. With unparalleled difficulty, consistent execution, and historical dominance, vault is where she continues to shine brightest. Whether in team events or individual finals, her performance on this apparatus will likely be a key factor in her quest for Olympic glory and the reaffirmation of her status as the greatest gymnast of all time.

Balance Beam: Precision and Control

The balance beam is one of the most technically demanding apparatuses in women’s artistic gymnastics, requiring a rare combination of strength, control, composure, and artistry. For Simone Biles, the beam has been both a proving ground and a showcase for her exceptional gymnastic intelligence and fearlessness. While not traditionally regarded as her most dominant event—her vault and floor routines typically earn higher scores—it remains a critical component of her all-around title pursuits and an event where she consistently demonstrates her elite status.

Technical Elements and Routine Composition

Beam routines are performed on a 10-centimeter-wide apparatus and require seamless execution of acrobatic and dance elements. Athletes are scored based on the difficulty of their elements (D-score) and the precision of their execution (E-score). Simone Biles’ beam routines typically include a high degree of difficulty, with connections that few gymnasts attempt under pressure.

Some of her most notable beam elements include her signature triple wolf turn and a high-difficulty acrobatic series, such as a back handspring to layout step-out. These skills contribute to a world-class D-score but require exacting control to avoid deductions.

Past Olympic Performances

Simone Biles’ history on beam in Olympic competition reflects both her resilience and her pursuit of perfection. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she secured a bronze medal on beam, a notable accomplishment though it was marred by a balance check that cost her a higher placement. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Biles returned to the beam final following her withdrawal from several other events due to mental health concerns. In a stunning display of poise and courage, she earned a bronze medal again with a more conservative but clean routine, proving her adaptability and mental strength.

Current Difficulty and Execution Scores

Heading into the 2024 Olympics, Biles’ beam routine has been refined to balance difficulty with consistency. While she no longer includes some of the ultra-risky elements she once attempted, her routine remains highly competitive due to her clean execution, sharp choreography, and the difficulty of her acrobatic connections. Her current beam routine features a strong blend of artistry, acrobatics, and originality—an approach that helps maximize her execution scores while managing risk.

Risk vs. Reward Strategy

Beam is often considered one of the riskiest apparatuses due to its narrow surface and the complexity of required elements. For Biles, the strategy on beam involves a calculated balance between difficulty and reliability. Rather than pushing the absolute boundaries of difficulty, she opts for routines that she can perform with consistency and minimal deductions. This conservative approach, particularly in high-stakes competitions, allows her to contribute solidly to team and all-around totals without jeopardizing her overall standing.

Simone Biles’ Beam Legacy

While not her highest-scoring event, the balance beam has played a pivotal role in Biles' gymnastics narrative. It has tested her mental toughness and showcased her growth as a competitor. Her ability to perform under immense pressure—especially in the wake of personal and public challenges—has elevated her beam work into a symbol of perseverance and grace under fire. As she prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games, her beam routine remains a critical component of her all-around excellence and a testament to her unmatched precision and control.

Comparative Analysis of Events

Simone Biles has long been recognized for her exceptional talent across all four apparatuses in women’s artistic gymnastics: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. However, her dominance is not uniform across the board; some events showcase her strengths more than others. This comparative analysis explores how Biles performs in each discipline, evaluating scoring potential, historical achievements, and technical innovation.

Vault vs. Floor Exercise

Vault and floor exercise are widely considered Simone Biles’ strongest events, and they are where she has historically posted the highest scores and introduced groundbreaking skills.

On vault, Biles has consistently pushed the envelope with high-difficulty elements, including the Yurchenko double pike, a vault so challenging that no other female gymnast has attempted it in international competition. This innovation alone sets her apart, offering a significant scoring advantage due to its difficulty (D) score. Her execution (E) scores on vault are also typically high, as her power and precision minimize deductions.

Floor exercise is another event where Biles shines, largely due to her unmatched tumbling capabilities. She has multiple eponymous skills on floor, including “The Biles” and “The Biles II,” both highly difficult tumbling passes that contribute to her high D-scores. Her routines are not only technically superior but also choreographically dynamic, combining artistry and athleticism in a way few can replicate. Historically, she has won multiple World and Olympic titles in this event.

While both events suit her explosive power and aerial control, vault often provides a slightly higher margin for scoring due to fewer elements and reduced risk of deductions in artistry. However, floor gives her more opportunity to showcase her full athletic range and creativity.

Balance Beam vs. Uneven Bars

In contrast to vault and floor, balance beam and uneven bars present a more nuanced picture of Biles’ capabilities.

On balance beam, Biles has demonstrated steady improvement over the years. Known for her high-risk skills and solid acrobatic series, she has become more consistent in execution. Her beam routines are among the most difficult in the world, featuring elements like a full-twisting back handspring to back layout step-out. Despite the event’s narrow surface and high deduction potential, her competitive mindset and refined technique have helped her secure multiple World and Olympic medals on beam.

Uneven bars, often considered Biles’ weakest event, have historically been where she earns her lowest scores. While her routines are competent and include difficult release moves and transitions, they lack the innovation and dominance seen in her other events. Her D-score on bars is typically lower relative to the top bar specialists, and she has not introduced any signature skills on this apparatus. Nonetheless, her execution is clean, and she remains competitive, often using the event as a solid contributor to her all-around totals.

All-Around Strategy and Event Contribution

Simone Biles’ all-around dominance is a direct result of her ability to excel in multiple events while minimizing weaknesses. Vault and floor are her top scoring events, often giving her a lead that is difficult for competitors to overcome. Balance beam serves as a strong secondary event, especially when executed cleanly. Uneven bars, while not her strongest, remain reliable enough to keep her in contention for all-around gold.

In team competitions, Biles’ strengths on vault and floor give the U.S. team a significant advantage, often setting the tone for the rest of the rotation. Her ability to contribute solid routines on all four apparatuses makes her an indispensable asset in both individual and team formats.

Historical Medal Distribution by Event

A look at Simone Biles’ medal distribution underscores her dominance in specific events:

• Floor Exercise: Multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals; home to two eponymous skills.
• Vault: Numerous gold and silver medals at World Championships; Olympic gold in 2016.
• Balance Beam: Olympic and World medals; significant improvement over time.
• Uneven Bars: Fewest medals; typically a fourth or fifth place apparatus in all-around standings.

This distribution highlights her event-specific strengths and provides a strategic insight into how she maximizes scoring potential while mitigating risks.

Event Difficulty vs. Consistency

Biles’ approach to event selection and performance shows a clear understanding of risk management. Vault and floor, while physically demanding, offer a balance of high difficulty and consistent execution. Beam, though risky due to its narrow surface, is handled with increasing confidence. Bars, less difficult in her repertoire, are performed with clean lines and minimal deductions, ensuring she remains competitive without overexposing weaknesses.

In 2024, her strategy appears focused on maintaining her edge in her best events while ensuring consistency across all four. This approach reinforces her status not only as a specialist but also as the most complete and balanced gymnast of her generation.

While Simone Biles is an all-around powerhouse, vault stands out as her best and most commanding event—thanks to groundbreaking difficulty, award-winning execution, and unmatched consistency, especially at the highest levels of competition. Floor exercise remains a close second for its expressive charm and crowd-pleasing innovation. As Biles heads toward the 2024 Olympics, her performances on these two apparatuses are expected to again redefine excellence in women’s gymnastics. Want to see greatness in motion? Watch her on vault—you won’t believe your eyes.