Thomas salto

The Thomas salto is an extremely difficult and dangerous move performed during the floor exercise in artistic gymnastics. It is named after American gymnast Kurt Thomas.[1]

Technical details

The Thomas salto consists of a 1½ salto backward in a tucked or piked position with 1½ twists or a 1½ salto backward in a layout (straight) position with 1½ twists, landing in a forward roll on the floor.[2]

The move and other skills ending with a roll on the floor are effectively banned. It was removed from the Code of Points following several serious injuries, most notably the paralysis of Elena Mukhina in 1980.[3] As of the 2017–2020 Code, "3/2 salto elements with reception by and then spring from the hands are not permitted,"[4] effectively banning the Thomas salto for all gymnasts.

References

1. "Kurt Thomas, first U.S. man to win a world gymnastics title, dies at 64". ESPN. ESPN News Services. 6 June 2020. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
2. "USA Gymnastics | Skills Named for U.S. Gymnasts". usagym.org. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
3. Dvora Meyers (2016). The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics' Top Score —from Nadia to Now. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-501-10140-3.
4. "2017-2020 Code of Points Men's Artistic Gymnastics" (PDF). International Gymnastics Federation. p. 39. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 November 2020.

External links

• Code of Points for Men
• Code of Points for Women