In men’s artistic gymnastics, innovation and creativity are large aspects of the sport, with athletes trying to create new skills that push the boundaries of what’s possible. This article highlights the most difficult skills on each event in Men’s gymnastics based off of the difficulty values listed in the FIG Code of Points. From the Jarman on Floor to the Miyachi on High Bar, these elements represent the cutting edge of gymnastics, showcasing the incredible athleticism and creativity that continue to shape the sport.
Nagornyy (J) – Triple Salto Bwd Piked – Triple Back Piked – Named after Nikita Nagornyy (RUS) in 2022
Pommel Horse
H-Flop (H) – Bertoncelj or Davtyan into a Single Pommel Circle or Stockli into a 1080° Russian. – The H-Flop, like other flop sequences, is not named. – The H-Flop was first introduced in the 2022-2024 Code of Points.
Still Rings
Whittenburg (I) – Triple Salto Bwd Piked – Originally, the triple back pike was in the code as a Super E starting in 1997. However, it was delisted from 2001-2017. Eventually the FIG re-added the triple back in Newsletter 32 in 2017, naming it after Donnell Whittenburg (USA) as an H.
Vault
Currently listed in the 2025-2028 Code of Points, 5 vaults have a 5.6 value.
Quintero (H) – Belle with 1/1 Turn – A giant swing into a full twisting double back, regrasping the bars in upper arm hang. – Named after Giovanni Quintero (COL) in 2006 as an F. – Previously, the skill was listed unnamed in an FIG Newsletter from 2003 as a Super E.
Esparza (H) – Giant Swing Bwd w/ 1/2 turn & 3/2 Salto Fwd Piked to Upper Arm Hang – Named after Orlando Esparza (MEX) in Newsletter 35 from 2019 as a G
High Bar
Miyachi (I)- Kovacs Str. w/ 2/1 Turn – Double twisting double layout over the bar with a regrasp. – Named after Hidetaka Miyachi (JAP) in Newsletter 33 from 2017 as an I
