Gymnastics has seen some of the best gymnasts deliver record-breaking performances on the Olympic stage. Since 2006, the scoring system has changed, making perfect 10s impossible, but athletes continue to push the limits of difficulty and execution. Here are the top 10 highest-scoring routines in Olympic history.
List of Best Gymnasts of All time
10. Xiao Qin – Pommel Horse
Xiao Qin, one of the best gymnasts in pommel horse history, delivered an incredible routine at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, scoring 16.100. His flawless technique and rhythm helped him dominate the event.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pommel Horse | Xiao Qin | China | 2008 Beijing | 16.100 |
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9. Chen Yibing – Still Rings
Chen Yibing, one of the strongest best gymnasts on still rings, scored an impressive 16.650 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His remarkable strength and precision made this one of the best routines in history.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Still Rings | Chen Yibing | China | 2008 Beijing | 16.650 |
8. Huang Xu – Parallel Bars
Huang Xu’s mastery of the parallel bars helped him achieve a near-perfect routine, scoring 16.475 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His ability to maintain control and execution made him one of the best gymnasts in the event.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Bars | Huang Xu | China | 2008 Beijing | 16.475 |
7. Epke Zonderland – High Bar
Epke Zonderland, one of the best gymnasts on the high bar, delivered a daring and electrifying routine at the 2012 London Olympics, scoring 16.533. His high-flying release moves and perfect dismount secured his place in history.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Bar | Epke Zonderland | Netherlands | 2012 London | 16.533 |
6. Shawn Johnson – Balance Beam
Shawn Johnson’s legendary balance beam performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics earned her 16.225. Her precision, control, and elegance made her one of the best gymnasts in the event.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Beam | Shawn Johnson | United States | 2008 Beijing | 16.225 |
5. Nastia Liukin – Uneven Bars
Nastia Liukin, known for her artistic gymnastics, delivered a stunning uneven bars routine that scored 16.900 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her effortless execution and grace made her one of the best gymnasts ever.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uneven Bars | Nastia Liukin | United States | 2008 Beijing | 16.900 |
4. McKayla Maroney – Women’s Vault
McKayla Maroney’s nearly perfect Amanar vault at the 2012 London Olympics earned her 16.233. Her power and flawless landing solidified her reputation as one of the best gymnasts in vault history.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vault | McKayla Maroney | United States | 2012 London | 16.233 |
3. Marian Dragulescu – Men’s Vault
Marian Dragulescu executed his signature vault, the “Dragulescu,” with perfection at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, scoring 16.800. His power and execution made him one of the best gymnasts in vault history.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vault | Marian Dragulescu | Romania | 2008 Beijing | 16.800 |
2. Simone Biles – Women’s Floor Exercise
Simone Biles, arguably one of the best gymnasts of all time, delivered an unbeatable floor exercise at the 2016 Rio Olympics, scoring 15.966. Her powerful tumbling passes and near-perfect execution set her apart.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Exercise | Simone Biles | United States | 2016 Rio | 15.966 |
1. Shirai Kenzo – Men’s Floor Exercise
Shirai Kenzo, one of the best gymnasts in men’s gymnastics, delivered an incredibly difficult floor routine at the 2016 Rio Olympics, earning a record-breaking 16.133. His tumbling ability and flawless landings secured his spot at the top.
| Event | Gymnast | Country | Olympics Year | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Exercise | Shirai Kenzo | Japan | 2016 Rio | 16.133 |
Conclusion
These record-breaking performances showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication of the best gymnasts in Olympic history. With every Olympics, athletes continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, making gymnastics one of the most thrilling sports to watch.
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