Simone Biles continues to shatter the glass ceiling, and she is looking to leave an indelible mark at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The greatest gymnast of her generation, she already has 5 impressive elements to her name. But it is highly likely that a sixth could be named after the GOAT. She is currently preparing to set the world’s biggest stage ablaze at the French capital. During Thursday’s podium training, the 27-year-old already impressed fans worldwide by flawlessly executing a Yurchenko Double Pike vault.

The gymnast showed off her impressive form. But it was evident that she was looking to redeem herself from her Tokyo heartbreak. Even though she suffered from a debilitating case of the ‘twisties’, Biles seemed to be far more confident and locked in. However, the gymnast has a few tricks up her sleeve, and she revealed one of them on Friday, July 26. The most decorated gymnast will be unveiling a new element in her routine at Bercy Arena. Inspired by Wilhelm Weiler, she will be adding the Weiler-kip with a Biles twist to her routine. What makes this move so special?

Simone Biles is going all out at the Paris Olympics

On Friday, Simone Biles submitted a new element to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for evaluation. The move in question? A Weiler-kip with a one-and-a-half piroutte on the uneven bars. While she usually executes the element with half a turn in some of her routines, this variation is something no American female gymnast has attempted before. Scott Bregman shared the news on X, “Is a sixth named element incoming for Simone Biles? She’s submitted the Weiler with a one and a half pirouette!” Looks like we are in for a thrilling show at the French capital!

Even though the skill is quite uncommon in women’s gymnastics, it has been a part of Biles’ routine since 2014. But what does the move entail? A gymnast would have to circle forward around the bar, eventually shooting up to a handstand. Even without a full pirouette, the element has a high value of a D. Most gymnasts perform this move with a ½ twist. But not the GOAT. In major championships previously, she would often execute the move with a full pirouette. 

If Simone Biles successfully nails the Weiler one-and-a-half in the Bercy Arena, she will have racked one signature element on each apparatus. The 27-year-old has five elements named after her so far. On the floor, Biles and Biles II. Yet another element on the beam, also known as Biles. And lastly two elements on the vault now known as the Biles and Biles II. Will her variation of the Weiler-kip also bear the gymnast’s name? Only time will tell. But who is element currently named after? Let’s find out.

Who is Wilhelm Weiler?

Wilhelm Weiler was 14 when he first stepped into the sport. After 6 ardous years, he was named as the German junior champion. However, he decided to shift his base to Canada, and climbed his way to being the Canadian all-around gymnastics champion in 1957. In the next 9 years, he went on to claim that title 5 more times. He was the first to perform a piked back somersault dismount in any competition. However, throughout his many firsts, the ‘Weiler-kip’ continues to stand the test of time.

The gymnast claimed 8 medals at the 1963 Pan American Games, 3 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze. The feat even found its way in the Guinness World Book of Records. He then contested at the 1964 Tokyo Games, but didn’t return with any Olympic medals to his name. Due to his illustrious career, Weiler is a part of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, Canadian Forces Hall of Fame, Amateur Athletic Union of Canada Hall of Fame, and the London Sports Hall of Fame.

As Simone Biles prepares to shine bright on the mat, many are eager to see how effortless she makes this relatively hard move in the French capital. The women’s gymnastics qualification events take place on July 28. After an exemplary podium practice on Thursday, the most decorated gymnast walks into the competition as the one to beat. Will she successfully pull off the Weiler-kip in the French Capital? We will just have to wait and watch.