Thomas salto

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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]

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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. [2]

The move is effectively banned as 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 "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.

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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 CODE OF POINTS MEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS (PDF) (in English, French, and Spanish).