As we get closer to Rio, the next few domestic competitions will be crucial for U.S. gymnasts trying to make the Olympic team. With so much depth in talent, narrowing down the pool to five gymnasts will be tougher than ever. The selection committee will want to ensure that they have a team that can put up strong scores on all four events.

Below, we listed the top gymnasts on the balance beam so far this year and dissected what led to their D-scores—lots of connections, tough dance skills, big acrobatic elements, or all three? The code dictates a gymnast’s D-score is made of general composition requirements, worth 2.5; a maximum of five top acrobatic elements; a minimum of three dance elements; and any connection value added on.

Check out our analysis below!

Simone Biles: 6.7 D-score

Her D-score is currently the highest on the US team at a staggering 6.7. In recent competitions, such as the Pacific Rim Championships, she hasn't received full credit for all of her connections. But if performed correctly, her start value should be 6.7. With such a high D-score, it’s unsurprising that Biles is strong in all three elements: acrobatic, dance, and connections. Her connection value is actually the highest out of any of the US gymnasts at an extra 0.70. Check out our full summary of her D-score below.

Maximum 5 Acrobatic Elements

• Full twisting double back dismount: G (0.70)
  
• Barani: E (0.50)
  
• Front aerial: D (0.40)
  
• Front tuck: D (0.40)
  
• Back pike: C (0.30)
  

Adding these elements together, Biles’ total acrobatic score is a 2.3.

Minimum 3 Dance Elements

• 2.5 wolf turn: E (0.50)
  
• Switch leap ½: D (0.40)
  
• Switch leap: C (0.30)
  

Adding these elements together, Biles’ total dance score is 1.2.

Connection Value

• Back handspring + layout stepout + layout stepout: +0.20 (0.10 for two layouts connected, 0.10 for “series bonus” - 3 skills in a row)
  
• Switch leap + switch leap ½ + back pike: +0.20 (0.10 for switch leap to switch ½, 0.10 for switch ½ to back pike)
  
• Front tuck + sissone: +0.10 
  
• Front aerial + wolf jump: +0.10
  
• Dismount - back handspring + back handspring + full twisting double back: +0.10 for series bonus
  

Adding these values together, Biles’ total connection value is 0.70.

Adding it all together

Biles’ total D-score is composed of: 2.5 (Composition Requirements) + 2.3 (Acrobatic) + 1.2 (Dance) + 0.70 (Connection Value) = 6.7

Aly Raisman: 6.5 D-score

She got full credit for this D-score at the recent Pacific Rim Championships. Her routine relies heavily on the difficult acrobatic elements she performs, which make up the bulk of her D-score at 2.5—the highest of any of the top American gymnasts. She also relies on connection value with five key connections that she needs to make in the routine to receive the necessary 0.50 total bonus. Check out our analysis of her routine below.

Maximum 5 Acrobatic Elements

• Patterson dismount: G (0.70)
  
• Layout to two feet: E (0.50)
  
• Front pike: E (0.50)
  
• Side aerial: D (0.40)
  
• Front tuck: D (0.40)
  

Adding these elements together, Raisman’s total acrobatic score is a 2.5.

Minimum 3 Dance Elements

• Switch leap ½: D (0.40)
  
• Switch leap: C (0.30)
  
• Full turn with leg raised at horizontal: C (0.30)
  

Adding these elements together, Raisman’s total dance score is 1.0.

Connection Value

• Front pike + wolf jump: +0.10
  
• Back handspring + layout: +0.10
  
• Switch ½ + back pike: +0.10
  
• Front tuck + split jump: +0.10
  
• Full turn + full turn: +0.10
  

Adding these values together, Raisman’s total connection value is 0.50.

Adding it all together

Raisman’s total D-score is composed of: 2.5 (Composition Requirements) + 2.5 (Acrobatic) + 1.0 (Dance) + 0.50 (Connection Value) = 6.5

Laurie Hernandez: 6.4 D-score

She's another top beam worker for the US with both high difficulty and strong execution in her routine. Her D-score is bolstered by her tough dance elements, and she has one of the higher dance scores at 1.3. She also has a lot of connections in her routine, with her connection value coming in just below Biles’ at 0.60. Check out our full analysis below.

Maximum 5 Acrobatic Elements

• Double pike dismount: E (0.50)
  
• Front aerial: D (0.40)
  
• Front tuck: D (0.40)
  
• Side aerial: D (0.40)
  
• Layout stepout: C (0.30)
  

Adding these elements together, Hernandez’s total acrobatic score is a 2.0.

Minimum 3 Dance Elements

• Switch ring leap: E (0.50)
  
• Sheep jump: D (0.40)
  
• Switch leap ½: D (0.40)
  

Adding these elements together, Raisman’s total dance score is 1.3.

Connection Value

• Front aerial + sissone: 0.10
  
• Back handspring + layout stepout + layout stepout: +0.20 (0.10 for two layouts connected, 0.10 for “series bonus” - 3 skills in a row)
  
• Front tuck + wolf jump: +0.10
  
• Switch leap + switch ½: +0.10 
  
• Dismount - back handspring + back handspring + double pike: +0.10 for series bonus
  

Adding these values together, Hernandez’s total connection value is 0.60.

Adding it all together

Hernandez’s total D-score is composed of: 2.5 (Composition Requirements) + 2.0 (Acrobatic) + 1.3 (Dance) + 0.60 (Connection Value) = 6.4

Ragan Smith - 6.4 D-Score

Currently tied with Hernandez with a 6.4 D-score, Smith's D-score comes from tough acrobatic elements, and this could potentially increase even further if she upgrades her dismount to a Patterson. It’s also possible she might be looking to add more connections—currently her connection value is the lowest out of the top four US gymnasts. Check out our analysis below for a look at her current routine.

Maximum 5 Acrobatic Elements

• Standing full: F (0.60)
  
• Double pike dismount: E (0.50)
  
• Layout to two feet: E (0.50)
  
• Front tuck: D (0.40)
  
• Front aerial: D (0.40)
  

Adding these elements together, Smith’s total acrobatic score is a 2.4.

Minimum 3 Dance Elements

• Double wolf turn: D (0.40)
  
• Sheep jump: D (0.40)
  
• Switch leap: C (0.30)
  

Adding these elements together, Smith’s total dance score is 1.1.

Connection Value

• Back handspring + layout: +0.10 
  
• Front tuck + sissone: +0.10
  
• Front aerial + pike jump: +0.10
  
• Back handspring + back handspring + Double pike dismount = +0.10 (Series Bonus)
  

Adding these values together, Smith’s total connection value is 0.40.

Adding it all together

Smith’s total D-score is composed of: 2.5 (Composition Requirements) + 2.4 (Acrobatic) + 1.1 (Dance) + 0.40 (Connection Value) = 6.4





Related:
2016 Elite Season D-Score Rankings
2016 U.S. Rio Rankings
Crafting a Beam Routine: An Analysis of the D-Score