Kolman (High Bar)

The Kolman is a spectacular release move on the high bar featuring a double backward layout salto with one and a half twists. The gymnast swings backward, lets go of the bar, spins twice in the air while twisting, and catches the bar again. It is highly regarded for its extreme aerial demands.

A standard Kovacs is a double backward salto over the bar with no twists. The Kolman takes the foundational Kovacs and adds a one and a half twists, making it significantly more complex. Gymnasts often use the Kolman to increase their difficulty score by chaining it out of other swinging elements.

In the men's FIG Code of Points, the Kolman is currently rated as an E level element for high bar. This high rating reflects the extreme aerial control and timing required to safely execute and catch the bar. Many Olympic high bar routines feature the Kolman as a centerpiece release move.

The skill is historically credited to Bulgarian gymnast Ivo Kolev, who brought the unique twisting element to the international stage. Its adoption into the FIG Code of Points allowed subsequent generations of gymnasts to utilize it for higher difficulty scores. The move remains a thrilling highlight in modern World Championship events.