How gymnasts cement their legacy, how skill earn their iconic names, and the athlete with the most contributions to the Code of Points.
The detailed requirements for this achievement are outlined in Article 5.8 of the Men’s Code of Points, under “MAG Naming of New Elements.” To summarize To have a skill named after you in the Code of Points, you must be the first gymnast to successfully perform it at a major international competition, such as the World Cup, World Championships, or the Olympic Games. The key criteria are as follows:
- The skill must be performed internationally for the first time at an official FIG Group 1, 2, or 3 competition.
- The skill must have a difficulty value of “C” or higher and be executed successfully without a fall.
- If multiple gymnasts perform the same new skill at the same competition, the skill will be named after all of them.
By meeting these criteria, gymnasts can secure a legacy in the sport by having their name immortalized in the Code of Points.
Common Named Elements
Sometimes named elemnets are moreeasily described, like saying back 3 1/2 twist on floor insested of saying X. But othertimes the movemnts is alot harder to expain, whchic is when its name is used more often. Examples icnlude
The Gymnast with the Most Named Elements
A quick look would show that there are seven “Tsukahara” elements, but after a closer look, you can see that four of the elements were named after Mitsuo Tsukahara, and three were named after his son, Tsukahara. So that doesn’t count.
Over the course of his competitive career Kenzo Shirai of Japan, know for his twisting abilities, originated six unique skills, three on floor and three on vault. However, the removal of X vaults in 2025, he only has five skills.
Lastly you have Iranian gymnast, Saeedreza Keikha who has the most at six. All of his skills are on the pommel horse and are variations on a x skill. The easiest skill is a x value with the most difficult at x.
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