Simone Biles Reveals the Harsh Realities Behind Gymnastics Rules

Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnast, has once again dazzled the world with her exceptional talent, securing yet another Olympic gold medal. This time, she won gold in the women’s vault at the Paris Olympics, marking her third gold medal in gymnastics.

However, behind the glamour and glitz of her achievements lies a world of intense rules and regulations that are often hidden from public view. In a recent discussion, Biles shed light on some of the most terrifying and bizarre rules that gymnasts are required to follow.

The Perils of Illegal Moves

One of the most shocking aspects of gymnastics is the strict prohibition of certain high-risk moves. Gymnasts are forbidden from performing routines that include excessively dangerous elements.

Historical incidents have demonstrated why these rules are in place. For instance, the Thomas Salto, a move that left gymnast Elena Mukina quadriplegic during the 1980 Moscow Olympics, was deemed too perilous.

Similarly, the Corbut Flip, popularized by Olga Corbut in 1972, was banned due to its extreme risk factor. These rules are not just about maintaining competitive fairness but ensuring the safety of athletes who push the boundaries of physical limits.

The Perpetual Mask of Composure

Another stringent rule requires gymnasts to maintain a flawless appearance of composure, regardless of their physical discomfort. This rule mandates that athletes should mask any signs of pain or distress during their performances. A gymnast must appear calm and controlled, even if they are suffering from an injury or struggling with a difficult routine.

The expectation is that no matter how painful or challenging their performance is, it should not reflect in their facial expressions or body language. This relentless demand for composure can be grueling, as it compels athletes to suppress their natural reactions and endure discomfort silently.

The Secrecy of Routines

Gymnastics is a sport where secrecy plays a crucial role. Gymnasts are expected to keep their routines confidential, to the extent that even humming or whispering their choreography can lead to disqualification.

This extreme level of secrecy aims to prevent competitors from gaining an unfair advantage by replicating or anticipating each other’s moves. The International Gymnastics Federation enforces this rule strictly, emphasizing that maintaining the confidentiality of routines is essential for fair competition.

The Underwear Dilemma

In the realm of gymnastics, even the smallest wardrobe malfunctions can have significant consequences. Gymnasts must ensure that their underwear remains completely out of sight.

Any visible underwear or bra straps can lead to deductions in their scores. Despite the best efforts to design leotards that prevent such issues, many gymnasts opt to forgo underwear altogether to avoid the risk of exposing it during their performances.

This rule underscores the emphasis placed on appearance and presentation in gymnastics, where even minor details can impact the overall assessment.

The Wedgie Rule

Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable rules involves the prohibition on fixing wardrobe malfunctions, such as wedgies, during a routine. Gymnasts are not allowed to adjust their leotards or address any wardrobe issues while performing. This rule is intended to maintain the flow and continuity of the routine, but it can lead to significant discomfort for athletes.

To manage this, many gymnasts use sticky sprays to keep their leotards in place, but this does not eliminate the challenge of dealing with an inconvenient wedgie during a critical moment.

Strict Grooming Standards

Olympic gymnasts are expected to adhere to rigorous grooming standards. This includes maintaining a clean and polished appearance, with hair neatly styled and minimal makeup.

Jewelry is restricted to a single pair of stud earrings, with no other adornments allowed. These grooming rules are designed to ensure that gymnasts present a uniform and professional appearance.

While some of these requirements, such as pulling hair back, are practical, others, like restrictions on nail polish, remain less clear in their necessity.

The Costly Leotards

Gymnasts’ outfits, particularly their leotards, are subject to meticulous approval processes. Each leotard is custom-designed and must undergo several fittings to ensure it meets the standards set by coaches and officials.

The cost of these leotards can be astronomical, with each one potentially retailing for thousands of dollars. The elaborate designs and extensive use of embellishments, such as crystals and pearls, contribute to their high price. Despite the meticulous design and fitting process, the final decision on the leotard often rests with the coach rather than the athlete.

Conclusion

The world of gymnastics is governed by a complex set of rules and regulations that go beyond mere competition. These rules, from prohibitions on dangerous moves to strict grooming standards, highlight the intense pressure and discipline required to excel in the sport.

Simone Biles’ recent revelations provide a glimpse into the often-overlooked aspects of gymnastics, shedding light on the challenges and sacrifices that athletes endure in their pursuit of excellence.

As fans continue to marvel at Biles’ achievements, it is important to recognize the stringent and sometimes harsh realities that come with competing at the highest levels of gymnastics.