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via Reuters

via Reuters

Brie Clark‘s face lit up with excitement when she saw Simone Biles’ comment on a video of her performing the Biles I. This was the first time anyone ever executed the move in NCAA gymnastics. And who could blame her for being shocked? Receiving recognition from the GOAT of gymnastics would make anyone’s day, especially after achieving a historic milestone. The Biles I is a difficult skill, and has a double layout with a half-twist in the second flip which requires immense precision and control. This unforgettable moment became even more special when another gymnastics star, Jordan Chiles, chimed in with words of appreciation for the young gymnast.

After Biles’ recognition, two-time Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles also showed her approval. She commented on Clemson Gymnastics’ post on X, which featured Clark’s full routine from the historic moment, writing, “Yasssss ma’am.” Clark showcased her talents alongside her Clemson Women’s Gymnastics teammates during Friday night’s victory over Texas Woman’s University and the University of New Hampshire. Along with contributing to the team’s success, she also became the first collegiate athlete to successfully perform a skill named after the legendary Simone Biles.

Twelve years after Biles first introduced the move, Clark, a redshirt junior, executed the Biles I with ease, further cementing her place in NCAA gymnastics history. Biles didn’t hold back in showing her excitement. She commented twice on the Clemson Gymnastics Instagram post, first writing, “congrats 🎉🎉🎉🎉🤭🤭🤭🤭,” and then adding, “& closing out Black History Month! YES MA’AM 😮‍💨 iktr!!!!!!!” Clark was overjoyed to see Biles acknowledge her performance. “Twice! She knows I exist,” she said, expressing her excitement.

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Biles first performed the move at the 2013 World Championships when she was just 16 years old. Now, Clark becomes only the fifth woman ever to successfully land the Biles I, joining an elite group that includes USA’s Trinity Thomas, Panama’s Hillary Heron, USA’s London Phillips, and Biles herself.

Clark earned a 9.800 for her routine on Friday night, despite stepping out of bounds during the Biles I, which resulted in a 0.1 deduction. However, her performance was still impressive, especially considering the difficulty of the skill. Beyond her floor routine, Clark also excelled on the balance beam, scoring a 9.875—the highest mark for Clemson in that rotation. This feat further showcased her versatility and talent. Clark had previously attempted the move earlier in the season, during a quad meet on Jan. 10, but was unable to land it. Her career-high score on the floor remains 9.950, a mark she will undoubtedly aim to surpass in future performances.

Brie Clark’s execution of the Biles I is a groundbreaking moment in NCAA gymnastics. Receiving praise from Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles only solidifies the significance of her achievement. As she continues to push boundaries, Clark has undoubtedly made her mark on collegiate gymnastics, inspiring future athletes to chase greatness just as she has. But do you know there are other skill sets also registered in Simone Biles’ name?

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Brie Clark's Biles I: A new era in NCAA gymnastics or just a fleeting moment of glory?

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The 5 Gymnastics skill sets named after Simone Biles

The most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time has a set of skills named in her honor. After all, she was the first to complete them. In gymnastics, when an athlete successfully lands a never-before-seen move in an international competition, the governing body assigns their name to the element, immortalizing their achievement.

The Biles I (Floor)-

The first move to be named after Biles was the Biles I. It is a double layout with a half-twist in the second flip and has been a staple of her skill set. She debuted this move at the 2013 World Championships, setting the stage for her dominance in the sport.

The Biles I (Vault)-

Introduced at the 2018 World Championships, this vault move begins with a round-off on a springboard, followed by a half-twist just before mounting the vault. The Biles I on vault is completed with a front somersault and a double twist, making it an incredibly challenging element.

The Biles (Balance Beam)-

This daring balance beam dismount features two back handsprings that propel into a double-double dismount, which means it has two flips with two twists. Biles showcased this skill first at the 2019 World Championships and later performed it again at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials.

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The Biles II (Floor)-

Earning its name after Biles successfully executed it at the 2019 World Championships, the Biles II is a jaw-dropping skill that consists of a round-off and a back handspring, followed by two flips and three twists. According to The Washington Post, this skill is considered the most difficult floor move in women’s gymnastics.

The Biles II (Vault)-

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The latest addition to her legendary repertoire, the Biles II on vault, is a Yurchenko-style double pike. Biles made history once again by successfully performing the move at the 2023 World Championships. This move begins with a round-off onto a springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the vault. But Biles elevated the difficulty by adding a second flip, becoming the first woman ever to do so.

Simone Biles continues to redefine the boundaries of gymnastics, with her name permanently etched into the sport’s history through these five gravity-defying moves. Each element showcases her unparalleled athleticism, pushing the limits of what’s possible and inspiring generations of gymnasts to come.

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Brie Clark's Biles I: A new era in NCAA gymnastics or just a fleeting moment of glory?

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