Clemson Gymnast Makes NCAA History with First Biles Skill

GREELEY, Colo. — In a landmark achievement for collegiate gymnastics, Clemson University redshirt junior Brie Clark successfully performed the Biles I tumbling pass during a meet on February 28, 2025. This accomplishment marks the first time the skill has been executed in NCAA women’s gymnastics history.

Clark’s performance helped lead the Clemson Tigers to a decisive victory against Texas Woman’s University and the University of New Hampshire at the Carolina Classic. Known for its extreme difficulty, the Biles I is recognized as a ‘double layout with a half twist’ and is rarely attempted at the collegiate level.

“It was exhilarating, and I’m so proud to have made history tonight,” said Clark after the performance. “I’ve been training hard for this moment, and to be able to land it successfully feels incredible.”

Only four other female gymnasts have successfully completed the Biles I: seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles, Trinity Thomas (USA), Hillary Heron (PAN), and London Phillips (USA). Clark expressed her gratitude, stating, “Joining this elite group is a dream come true for me.”

The Biles I, which entails completing two full flips in a laid-out position while finishing with a 180-degree twist, was introduced to the gymnastics world by Biles herself at the 2013 World Championships. Clark’s skillful landing, albeit with a minor error that resulted in an eighth-place finish on the floor, showcased her aptitude and confidence under pressure.

“Despite the landing error, Brie has been a key contributor for our team this season,” said Clemson head coach Amy Smith. “Her determination and skill set have already elevated our program during its formative years.”

Clark, who joined Clemson’s inaugural gymnastics team in 2023 after excelling at Utah State University, previously earned the first perfect 10.0 in Clemson history during a meet in 2024. This season, she has consistently scored over 9.90 on her floor routines, solidifying her status as a standout athlete in the ACC.

As excitement builds for the upcoming ACC Championships on March 22, the No. 30 ranked Tigers aim to compete against formidable opponents such as No. 5 California and No. 14 Stanford for the conference title.

Simone Biles, who made headlines when she first executed the Biles I skill, celebrated Clark’s achievement on social media, posting a video of the performance on her Instagram with enthusiastic comments. “Congrats! And closing out Black History Month with this performance!” Biles wrote, highlighting the significance of Clark’s milestone.

Clark’s successful execution of the Biles I skill represents not only a personal achievement but also a historical moment for NCAA gymnastics, showcasing the evolving difficulty and artistry in the sport.