With Simone Biles somewhat narrowly securing her third consecutive World All-Around title, could gymnastics' most dominant female be upgrading her floor routine before Rio?
Granted, her floor routine houses a whopping 6.8 start value, but with most gymnasts looking for upgrade potential before Rio next year, a recent practice video may showcase her secret weapon.
Uploaded in March by the YouTube channel FIGWTC, a practice video showcases Simone Biles tumbling into a double layout with a connection. Although the pass would not surpass the 18-year-old's first three tumbling passes in terms of value, some observers believe it could replace her full twisting double back dismount.
Although her overall start value as an all-around contender is higher than her competitors, her most recent win only came roughly one point above reigning Olympic champion Gabby Douglas.
"On beam, I think I gave the whole world a heart attack, as well as myself out there," said Biles according to EWS. "Then floor, I had never gone out of bounds, but I guess there is a first for everything."
For Douglas, upgrading will be necessary to contend with the likes of Aly Raisman, Larissa Iordache, Shang Chunsong, and definitely Biles.
"I did pretty well with no upgrades tonight," admitted Douglas following the all-around competition Thursday. "[I] gotta add those upgrades in and hope to be on top."
While an upgrade on floor seems to be the most natural move for someone like Biles, she's also capable of upgrading her second vault, uneven bars and beam. It'll be a matter of whether she needs to, and how much her competitors choose to take risks in Rio.
