Published 20:39 IST, October 5th 2019
Gymnastics association FIG: Simon Biles disappointed with the grading
Grading system provided to American Simone Biles' new balance beam dismount, drawn criticism from the USA Gymnastics, the sports body want to protect players
According to the reports of the international media, the grading system provided to American Simone Biles' new balance beam dismount, which has drawn much attention for criticism from the USA Gymnastics, whereas the sports organization asserted that looking after the protection of the athletes played an important role in the decision making. The decision came in front of the current month's world championships. According to the reports, Biles, who is a four-time Olympic gold medallist expressed her disappointment with the ‘H’ difficulty value that was given by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) who gave the element. She felt that she should have received a higher grade.
Simone Biles disappointed with the grading
She did the double-double dismount which includes two flips and two twists, which was accomplished for the first time in the US championship held in August. She is expected to get her name in the sport’s Code of Points if she performs her historic stunt at the worlds in Stuttgart. According to the grade card the ‘H’ rating is considered to be one value higher than other beam elements described for women in the Code, but according to Bilies more difficulty is enough to credit an even higher rating. The 22-year Gymnast decision with a complete explanation on Twitter.
USA Gymnastics asks support for Biles
In a statement on Friday, she said that there is more risk in making land on the double saltos for beam dismounts which is followed by a potential landing on the neck. She further emphasized that there have been several incidents in the Code when a decision was made to protect the gymnasts, at the same time preserve the direction of the discipline. The USA Gymnastics are discontent about the evaluation system that is given for the dismount and wants the FIG to give more support to Biles' commitments to the game.
International Gymnastics Federation gave its statement
The national body in its statement on Twitter said, “ USA Gymnastics respectfully disagrees with the value assigned to the balance beam dismount... that was submitted on behalf of Simone Biles," as quoted by ANI. They further said that the wellbeing of competitors is constantly a top priority for us and the game, however, they agreed that the skill should be given the merit in accordance to its value. They appreciated Simone, calling her an amazing gymnast who continues to grow and challenge the norm with her innovative and technical ability and kills, the national body supports her for her efforts. Simone Biles has won 20 world medals which start with her campaign in the qualification rounds on Saturday.
Inputs from AP
Updated 21:56 IST, October 5th 2019