The crowd at Littlejohn Coliseum held its breath as Clemson’s rising gymnastics star sprinted down the vault runway, eyes locked, heart pounding. Then—boom! With precision, she floated through the air by twisting her body, defying gravity itself, before accomplishing the perfect landing. And with Simone Biles’ stamp of approval, Brie Clark had cemented her name among the greats.

A gymnast receiving the endorsement of Simone Biles is similar to a rookie quarterback getting a standing ovation from NFL legend Tom Brady. This gymnastics routine marked an iconic occasion, spreading shockwaves within the NCAA gymnastics competition. However, what made this performance so legendary?

The impact of this jaw-dropping performance didn’t just stay within the walls of the stadium. It sent ripples through the gymnastics world. And soon, the recognition came rolling in. Inside Gymnastics took to Instagram to announce the news, “👏 Congratulations to Clemson’s Brie Clark on being Inside Gymnastics Gymnast of the Week for Week 9! 👏” That wasn’t just any honor. It was a celebration of something unprecedented. Clark had just become the first-ever college gymnast to successfully compete a ‘Biles I’ on floor. And to top it off? The GOAT herself, Simone Biles, took notice.

The 11-time Olympic medalist was shocked. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, couldn’t contain her excitement as she took to social media to recognize Clark’s groundbreaking moment. She shared Clark’s routine on her Instagram Story, hyping it up with a simple but emphatic caption, “I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT 👏.” She made sure Clemson Gymnastics and the entire gymnastics world knew just how historic this was.

Dropping another message of admiration in the comments section of Clark’s Instagram, “Congrats 👏👏.” Biles made it clear that this moment carried even greater significance, “& closing out Black History Month! YES MA’AM 👏 iktr!!!!!!” Well, Clark has just redefined what was possible at the collegiate level through her stellar performance.

Brie Clark’s bold move shatters NCAA history

In the evening, Brie Clark demonstrated clearly why she was among the most powerful NCAA gymnasts. The electrifying gymnast who ruled the NCAA floor competitions maintained five consecutive routines at 9.90 or higher. Her journey first began at Utah State University, where she had already proved her athletic power.

The typical performance for Clark consists of two consecutive straight-body flips named double layout. But that night? She sought more than an excellent routine that night. She was aiming for history. Clark stepped outside her comfort zone to execute a difficult skill known as ‘The Biles I.’ Well, it’s like double the challenge of the typical double layout because they must add one half-twist just before landing.

Depending solely on air awareness and instinct. Her fearless decision didn’t go unnoticed. Coach Amy Smith of Clemson spotted this exceptional performance by the young star. In an interview with FOX Carolina News, Smith shared, “That was history tonight—she was the very first collegiate gymnast to successfully compete and land and execute, uh, the Biles I.”

It was a proof of Clark’s determination, together with her natural abilities and willingness to extend her abilities. With history already made, one question is, will Brie Clark continue breaking records in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below. What do you think?