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Gienger

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description Gienger Overview

The Gienger is a gymnastics release move performed on the horizontal bar or uneven bars, named after German gymnast Eberhard Gienger. The skill involves swinging a backward giant, releasing the bar, and executing a half-twisting backward salto in a piked position. The gymnast then re-catches the same bar to continue their routine. Introduced in the 1970s, it remains a standard element in the Code of Points and is widely used by elite gymnasts to build difficulty.

help Gienger FAQ

How do you perform a Gienger release move on the high bar?

A Gienger is a bar release skill where the gymnast swings up in a back giant, releases the bar, and performs a half-turn while in a piked position. They then re-catch the same bar to continue their routine.

Who invented the Gienger salto?

The skill is named after German gymnast Eberhard Gienger, who debuted the move in the 1970s. It quickly became a staple release element for both men's and women's artistic gymnastics.

What makes the Gienger so difficult to execute?

The gymnast must maintain incredible spatial awareness to time the release perfectly at the peak of their swing. They also need immense core strength to snap into the pike and spot the bar for the re-grasp.

Can a Gienger be performed in a layout position?

While traditionally performed in a piked position, gymnasts sometimes perform a layout variation, though it is much rarer. Gymnasts also frequently combine the Gienger with other release moves to rack up connection bonuses.

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