Artistic gymnast Georgia Godwin gives nod to Simone Biles following her entrance into esteemed company of the megastar in FIG’s Code of Points

Georgia Godwin, an Olympian from Australia, has become a member of an exclusive group of gymnasts that includes American sensation Simone Biles.

Artistic gymnast Georgia Godwin gives nod to Simone Biles following her entrance into esteemed company of the megastar in FIG’s Code of Points

Georgia Godwin and Simone Biles [Image Credit- The West Australian and X]

Achieving a maneuver named after oneself is considered the pinnacle of accomplishment within a sport. Georgia Godwin, an Australian gymnast, was distinguished this week when the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) included her novel move in its Code of Points just like Simone Biles. At 26, the Queensland athlete not only devised but also successfully executed the maneuver in competition, becoming the first to do so.

Godwin’s achievement places her among elite athletic innovators like high jumper Dick Fosbury, and football maestro Johan Cruyff, as well as modern gymnastics phenomenon Simone Biles. The recognition has a profound effect on Godwin, especially when considered alongside the 23-time world champion Biles. Biles has significantly influenced both the athletic and mental health discourse.

“It’s quite special. Not many athletes can say they’ve got their name in the Code of Points,” Godwin expressed to Wide World of Sports. Her inclusion with distinguished peers such as Biles, Lauren Mitchell, and Mary-Anne Monckton is, in her words, “an absolute honor.” Biles has achieved an exceptional feat with five named skills.

She represents the zenith of innovation in a sport where novelty is hard to come by. Godwin acknowledges the struggle to find new avenues for creativity in gymnastics, amplifying her respect for Biles’ achievements, which include The Biles on Floor, The Biles II on Floor, The Biles on Beam, The Biles on Vault, and The Biles II on Vault. The emergence of ‘The Godwin’ is thus symbolic not only of Godwin’s success but also of a broader shift towards a healthier, holistic approach in competitive gymnastics.

Georgia Godwin comments on Simone Biles’ mental health battle after Tokyo 2021

Simone Biles, having won four Olympic gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, made a resonating impact during the Tokyo 2021 events when she prioritized her mental health over competition. “At the Tokyo 2021 Olympics she showed the world that gymnastics isn’t just a physical sport,” Godwin remarked on the courage displayed by Biles. This perspective, highlighting the importance of mental wellness amongst younger athletes, has reinforced the necessity of honest self-advocacy when one’s well-being is at risk.

Simone Biles (Pic Credit: Imago)
Simone Biles (Pic Credit: Imago)

Additionally, Godwin finds inspiration in Biles’ continuing her career at the age of 26, which is noted as advanced for a gymnast. This persistence exemplifies the changing culture within gymnastics that supports sustained health and strength into later athletic years. Simone Biles candidly shared through Instagram during the Tokyo Olympics the daunting nature of performing complex skills without the assurance of mental and physical harmony.

Her decision to withdraw faced both harsh scrutiny and widespread commendation. Explaining the gravity of competing at an Olympic level, Godwin elucidated, “Gymnastics is a very dangerous sport if it’s not done well,” and affirmed her support for Biles’ cautious approach, especially when the risks are considerable on such a global stage. In summarizing her sentiments, Godwin recognizes the evolution within her sport—a momentum-shifting towards acknowledging and fostering the complete well-being of athletes.

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