I began developing this skill in 2017 and spent years working to make it possible. I failed countless times, but I stayed committed because I believed it could bring something new and exciting to gymnastics. In 2021, I officially submitted the Backflip to Planche to World Gymnastics (formerly FIG) and competed it at the 2021 Koper Challenge World Cup in Slovenia. There is a formal process to have a new skill recognized in the Men’s Code of Points and named after its creator. I followed that process exactly. As a Team USA gymnast, I qualified for an international competition, paid my own way to travel overseas, submitted the skill, and successfully performed it in a Category 3 event.

Despite meeting all requirements, the skill was only awarded a B value, when a C value is required for it to be officially named and included. My coach and I were confused by this decision. When we asked for clarification, we were told the skill was considered “too circus.” Meanwhile, the Backflip to Planche has received hundreds of millions of views online, and public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans and athletes alike see it as an exciting, highly gymnastic element that deserves a place in the Code of Points.

In 2025, after the World Gymnastics Technical Committee changed, we attempted to resubmit the skill at the 2025 Osijek World Cup, hoping for a fair reevaluation. Unfortunately, it was rejected again. Without official recognition, this skill will likely never be performed in competition, no matter how much audiences want to see it. I believe gymnastics should reward innovation and creativity. The Backflip to Planche is new, challenging, and engaging, and recognizing it would bring more attention and excitement to the sport. This is not just about one skill – it is about showing that gymnasts who push boundaries and advance the sport can be fairly acknowledged for their work.

Please consider signing this petition to help bring something new and innovative into the sport of gymnastics: The Backflip to Planche.