What Is Simone Biles’ Best Event? Exploring Her Floor Exercise Dominance
Discover why the floor exercise stands out as Simone Biles’ best gymnastics event. Learn about her groundbreaking skills, historic wins, and unmatched artistry on the mat.
Simone Biles’ legendary gymnastics career is defined by her unmatched power, precision, and innovation—but when it comes to her absolute best event, the floor exercise stands at the top. Known for jaw-dropping tumbling passes, artistic choreography, and consistent gold-medal performances, Biles has transformed the floor event into her personal stage. While she also excels on vault and balance beam, her supremacy on the floor has set her apart as the undisputed queen of this apparatus.
Floor Exercise: The Foundation of Success
The floor exercise has long been considered Simone Biles’ most iconic and dominant event, serving as a cornerstone of her gymnastics legacy. Combining explosive power, precise technique, and artistic expression, Biles’ performances on floor not only captivate audiences but consistently deliver some of the highest scores in competition.
Components of a Floor Routine
A typical women's floor routine lasts up to 90 seconds and includes a combination of tumbling passes, dance elements, and choreography. Athletes are judged on both difficulty and execution. Biles excels in both areas, leveraging her exceptional strength and aerial awareness to perform elements of unmatched complexity.
Her floor routines are known for their high level of difficulty, which is largely due to her inclusion of multiple elite-level tumbling passes. These include the Biles I (a double layout with a half twist) and the Biles II (a triple-twisting double backflip), both of which have been named after her in the Code of Points due to their groundbreaking nature.
Historical Performance and Consistency
Since her senior debut in 2013, Biles has consistently dominated the floor exercise at major international competitions. She won floor gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and repeated her success at the World Championships in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. Her routines are notable for their high start values and minimal execution deductions, thanks to her precise landings and clean form.
Her floor performances have often secured her the all-around title in competitions, highlighting the event’s importance in her overall success.
Signature Elements and Unmatched Difficulty
Biles’ floor routines are characterized by elements that few, if any, other gymnasts attempt. The Biles II is particularly notable for its difficulty value — it is one of the most difficult women's floor skills ever performed. Her combinations of tumbling passes with dance elements also demonstrate mastery of both athletic and artistic dimensions of the sport.
In addition to her tumbling, her choreography and musicality have evolved over the years, reflecting her growing maturity and confidence in expressing herself on the mat.
2024 Olympic Performance Metrics
At the 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles once again demonstrated why the floor exercise remains her strongest event. Her routine featured the Biles II, along with other high-difficulty passes, giving her a significant scoring advantage. Despite fierce competition, Biles delivered a near-flawless performance, earning one of the highest execution scores of the event.
Her dominance on floor in 2024 reaffirmed her status as the most decorated gymnast in history and underscored the floor exercise as the bedrock of her Olympic success. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s gymnastics, the floor remains the arena where her power, innovation, and artistry shine brightest.
Vault: Technical Mastery
Simone Biles' performances on vault have long exemplified her technical prowess, power, and innovative spirit. Widely regarded as one of her strongest events, vault has been the arena for some of her most groundbreaking achievements and record-setting routines.
Signature Vault Techniques
Biles has redefined the vault event with her exceptional repertoire of high-difficulty elements. Her signature vaults include the Amanar (a Yurchenko with 2.5 twists) and the Cheng (a round-off half-on, front layout with 1.5 twists). These vaults are among the most difficult in women’s artistic gymnastics, requiring immense speed, explosive power, and precise air awareness.
In 2021, Biles became the first woman to successfully perform the Yurchenko double pike in competition—now famously known as the “Biles II” on vault. This vault, which had previously only been executed by male gymnasts, carries one of the highest difficulty scores (D-score) in the Code of Points. Its inclusion in her skillset highlights her trailblazing technical abilities and willingness to push the boundaries of the sport.
Scoring Breakdown
Vault scores in gymnastics are composed of two primary components: the difficulty score (D-score) and the execution score (E-score). Biles' vaults frequently carry some of the highest D-scores in the competition due to their complexity and risk factor. Her execution scores also tend to be strong, thanks to her form, height, and controlled landings.
For instance, the Yurchenko double pike has a D-score of 6.6, making it one of the most valuable skills in women's gymnastics. When combined with her clean execution, Biles consistently achieves vault scores that place her ahead of the competition.
Competition Advantages
Biles’ dominance on vault offers her a significant strategic advantage in all-around and event finals. She often posts lead-taking scores that provide a buffer against deductions in other events. Her ability to land difficult vaults with minimal steps or hops allows her to maximize her E-score, giving her an edge even when competing against gymnasts who perform less difficult vaults more cleanly.
Her consistent performance across two vaults also enables her to compete in the individual vault final, an apparatus-specific event that not all all-around gymnasts qualify for. This versatility enhances her medal potential and places her among the sport’s elite specialists as well as its top all-arounders.
2024 Olympic Execution
At the 2024 Olympics, Biles once again proved her mastery on vault. She successfully performed the Yurchenko double pike during podium training and competition, reaffirming her status as the only woman to attempt and land this skill internationally. Her vault performances at these Games were marked by exceptional height, form, and amplitude, earning some of the highest vault scores of the competition.
Notably, Biles' execution in 2024 reflected both her physical preparedness and her mental resilience, following her well-documented break from competition in 2021. Her vaults received widespread acclaim for their technical precision and impact on the team and all-around standings.
Biles’ continued innovation and excellence on vault solidify her legacy as one of the greatest vault performers in the history of gymnastics.
Balance Beam: Precision and Power
The balance beam is one of the most technically demanding apparatus in women’s artistic gymnastics, requiring an extraordinary combination of grace, control, and strength. For Simone Biles, the beam has been both a showcase of her precision and a testament to her resilience under pressure. Though not always considered her most dominant event compared to vault or floor, Biles’ performances on beam have been consistently strong, evolving over time into some of the most polished routines in the sport.
Technical Precision Requirements
The beam is only 10 centimeters wide, making it a true test of balance and composure. Gymnasts must execute acrobatic series, dance elements, turns, and dismounts with minimal hesitation. Simone Biles is known for her ability to combine high-difficulty skills with nearly flawless execution. Her beam routines often include complex acrobatic series, such as a back handspring, layout step-out series, and aerials connected to jumps — all performed with pinpoint accuracy.
Biles’ precision on beam is a reflection of her exceptional spatial awareness and body control. She rarely incurs large deductions for wobbles or balance checks, setting her apart from many competitors. Her strong core stability and consistent landings further enhance her scoring potential.
Notable Achievements on Beam
Simone Biles has earned multiple Olympic and World Championship medals on the balance beam. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won a bronze medal on beam despite a slight balance error — a testament to her difficulty level and execution quality. At the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, she secured the gold medal with a routine that featured her signature acrobatic sequences and an upgraded dismount.
Her beam routine has evolved significantly over the years, incorporating increasingly difficult connections and cleaner execution. Biles’ ability to adapt and refine her beam work has allowed her to remain a top contender in this event through multiple Olympic cycles.
Risk-Reward Elements
One of the defining aspects of Biles’ balance beam routines is her strategy in balancing risk and reward. She often includes high-difficulty elements that increase her D-score (difficulty score), such as the full-twisting double back dismount (also known as the “Biles dismount” on beam). This element significantly boosts her scoring potential but also carries a higher risk of execution deductions if not performed cleanly.
Biles’ routines typically exceed a 6.0 difficulty score, placing her among the top gymnasts in the world on beam. Her ability to maintain composure while performing risky elements under Olympic-level pressure sets her apart as a competitor.
2024 Olympic Performance
In her return to Olympic competition in 2024, Biles has demonstrated renewed focus and refinement on the balance beam. Her routine in Paris features a strong mix of acrobatic and artistic elements, showing a more mature and confident approach. Early competition scores indicate improvements in both execution and consistency, with judges rewarding her clean landings and fluid transitions.
Her beam performance continues to be a critical component of Team USA’s overall score in team events, and it positions her well for individual all-around and apparatus final medal contention. While vault and floor remain her signature events, Biles’ balance beam routines have reached a level of mastery that underscores her all-around dominance in the sport.
All-Around Excellence
Simone Biles' reputation as arguably the greatest gymnast of all time is rooted not only in her dominance in individual apparatus but also in her all-around excellence. Unlike many competitors who specialize in just one or two events, Biles consistently excels across all four disciplines—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—making her a formidable all-around competitor in every major championship she enters.
Dominance in the All-Around Competition
Since entering the senior elite ranks in 2013, Simone Biles has remained virtually unbeatable in the all-around category. She claimed her first World All-Around title that year and has gone on to win the World All-Around title a record six times (2013–2015, 2018–2019, 2023). At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles won the individual all-around gold medal with a commanding lead, demonstrating her technical mastery, consistency, and mental toughness.
Her performances consistently feature some of the highest difficulty scores across all apparatus, giving her a competitive edge even before execution scores are added. Biles’ routines are characterized by high-difficulty skills such as the Yurchenko double pike on vault and the triple-twisting double back on floor—maneuvers few gymnasts even attempt.
Strategic Versatility Across Events
Biles' all-around strength comes from her ability to combine power, precision, and artistry across all apparatus. Her vault and floor exercise typically yield the highest scores, and she uses those strengths to build a lead. While the uneven bars are traditionally considered her least dominant event, she has steadily improved her execution and difficulty in this area to maintain a competitive all-around total.
On the balance beam, Biles has balanced risk and consistency with skills like the full-in dismount and double wolf turn, allowing her to maintain high scores without sacrificing stability. This strategic approach to each apparatus ensures she remains at the top of the all-around field.
Olympic-Level All-Around Performance
At the Olympic level, Biles’ all-around prowess is unparalleled. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won the individual all-around gold by a margin of over two points—an unprecedented lead under the current scoring system. Despite withdrawing from the all-around final in Tokyo 2020 due to mental health considerations, her prior qualification performance still ranked among the highest.
Her anticipated return for the Paris 2024 Olympics has generated excitement, especially given her continued dominance in national and international meets leading up to the Games. With her routines refined and upgraded, Biles remains a strong contender for another all-around gold, further cementing her legacy.
Historical Context and Legacy
Simone Biles’ all-around excellence places her in a unique position in gymnastics history. She is the most decorated gymnast in World Championship history and holds the record for the most World all-around titles. Her success has redefined the standard of what it means to be an all-around gymnast, emphasizing not only specialization but also a well-rounded mastery of the sport.
Additionally, Biles' consistency across quadrennial cycles—maintaining dominance over a decade—sets her apart from previous champions whose career peaks were typically shorter. Her continued innovation and ability to adapt to evolving scoring systems have made her an enduring force in the sport.
References
- International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) athlete profile: Simone Biles
- Olympic Channel: Simone Biles’ All-Around Gold in Rio 2016
- USA Gymnastics official competition results
- NBC Sports coverage of Simone Biles at the 2023 World Championships
- “Courage to Soar” by Simone Biles – Autobiography detailing her approach to all-around training
- ESPN: Simone Biles’ Return to the Olympics – What to Expect in Paris 2024
Future Competition Outlook
As Simone Biles returns to Olympic competition in 2024, the gymnastics world is closely watching how she will shape the future competitive landscape. Her presence alone significantly elevates the level of competition and sets new standards for excellence across all apparatus. Given her storied history and recent performances, her outlook for future competitions remains highly promising.
Continued Dominance in Key Events
Simone Biles is widely regarded as the most dominant gymnast on the floor exercise and vault—her two strongest events. Her explosive power, unmatched difficulty level, and consistency give her a significant edge. On floor, Biles continues to perform signature moves such as the “Biles II,” a double layout with a half twist, which remains one of the most difficult elements ever performed by a female gymnast. This event continues to offer her the highest medal potential in future meets.
Similarly, on vault, Biles has redefined the sport with her Yurchenko double pike, a skill so difficult it was previously unheard of in women’s gymnastics. Her technical mastery and ability to stick high-difficulty landings make her a favorite for gold in this event in any upcoming competition.
Adaptation and Strategy in Beam and Bars
While Biles is best known for her power events, her performances on balance beam and uneven bars have also evolved. On beam, she has improved her composure and consistency, minimizing deductions while maintaining a high level of difficulty. Though not traditionally her standout event, Biles’ beam routines in recent competitions show an athlete capable of challenging for medals if cleanly executed.
Uneven bars remain her most challenging apparatus, yet her routines have seen notable upgrades in difficulty and execution. While not expected to dominate this event, strategic improvements and clean execution could still place her in contention during all-around and team competitions.
Rising Talent and Emerging Rivals
As Biles continues her competitive journey, she faces a new generation of gymnasts who have been inspired by her success. Athletes like Rebeca Andrade (Brazil), Sunisa Lee (USA), and Jessica Gadirova (Great Britain) have all emerged as top contenders in recent years. These gymnasts bring high-difficulty elements and refined artistry, contributing to an increasingly competitive field.
However, Biles’ ability to consistently perform routines with the highest difficulty scores gives her a unique advantage. If she maintains her current form and continues to innovate, she is likely to remain at the forefront of international competition.
Longevity and Legacy
Looking beyond Paris 2024, Biles has hinted at a more measured approach to competition, possibly focusing on select events rather than the all-around in the long term. This strategy could extend her career, allowing her to continue influencing the sport while competing at the highest level.
Her legacy is already cemented, but her future participation will continue to inspire younger gymnasts and reshape the expectations of what is possible in women’s gymnastics. As the sport evolves, Biles is likely to remain a benchmark for excellence, whether as a competitor or a mentor to the next generation.
Simone Biles’ dominance in gymnastics spans all events, but the floor exercise remains her undisputed best. With a combination of unmatched difficulty, flawless execution, and contagious confidence, Biles has redefined what’s possible in women’s gymnastics. Her floor performances are more than just routines—they’re historic moments. As she continues to shape the future of the sport, the floor will always be the arena where Simone Biles shines brightest. Want to see true greatness in motion? Watch Simone Biles on the floor—and witness the evolution of athletic artistry.