description Thomas Salto Overview
The Thomas Salto is a floor exercise element named after American gymnast Kurt Thomas, who first competed it in the late 1970s. Recognized in the FIG Code of Points, the skill is a 1.5-twisting double backward salto tucked or piked. Because it ends moving forward, the landing carries a high risk of severe injury, leading many gymnastics federations to ban or heavily de-value the skill for safety reasons. Soviet gymnast Elena Mukhina famously suffered a paralyzing spinal injury while attempting a similar element in 1980.
help Thomas Salto FAQ
What is the Thomas Salto in gymnastics?
The Thomas Salto is a floor-exercise skill named after American gymnast Kurt Thomas. It is a 1.5-twisting double backward salto performed in a tucked or piked position.
Who invented or popularized the Thomas Salto?
The element is named for American gymnast Kurt Thomas, who first competed it in the late 1970s. It became associated with his distinctive floor-exercise work.
Why is landing the Thomas Salto difficult?
The gymnast completes two backward rotations and one and a half twists before landing. Because the skill finishes with forward travel, controlling the landing direction is a major challenge.
Is the Thomas Salto recognized in the gymnastics Code of Points?
Yes, the Thomas Salto is recognized as a FIG Code of Points floor element. Its difficulty comes from combining a double salto with a 1.5 twist.
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