I honestly believe that the best floor routines are those that not only have high-flying tumbling passes, but connect with their audiences on an emotional level through expressive choreography and a well selected piece of music. I'm not ashamed to admit that there were international routines last year that even made me shed a tear due to their outstanding performance quality. Hence I have compiled a list (you can also check out my list from 2013) of my top ten floor routines of 2014.



10: Larisa Iordache - Romania - 2014 World Championships - Although Iordache performed the same routine as she used in 2013, it continues to inspire me time after time. Her limitless energy is infectious and her dance is fluid and bouncy. She and Simone Biles (who will appear higher in my rankings) display an evident enjoyment and passion for what they are doing. I hope to see her with a new floor routine this year of the same amazing standard!

9: Maile O'Keefe - USA - 2014 Secret Classic - Maile has a grace and maturity about her well beyond her years. Her balletic floor routine at classics caught my eye as I feel that her routine is very pleasing artistically.

8: Catherine Lyons - Great Britain - 2014 Junior European Championships - This captivating routine was enough to earn Catherine a gold medal on floor exercise at the European championships last year. I've heard numerous reports of tears in the audience after watching this routine - and I'm not surprised. The music combined with the artistic expression is moving. I look forward to seeing if Catherine receives a new floor routine for 2015.

Watch Catherine's routine here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dJjRhVoTqxA

7: Enus Mariani - Italy - 2014 Grand Prix Firenze - This routine from the young Italian gymnast topped my list last year for the maturity and drama that she was able to convey through her choreography. She matched the intensity of the music with her movements exquisitely.

Watch Enus' routine here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r3fp0uNgwRI



6: Victoria Moors - Canada - AT&T American Cup - Moors interpreted her dramatic music with elegance and displayed a range of choreography - it was never predictable. If I had to sum it up in a word: stylish!

5: Emily Gaskins - USA - 2014 P&G Championships - Emily executed ballet steps with confidence and poise. I particularly enjoyed the pique turns after her third tumbling pass - beautiful! The classical floor music was very fitting.

4: Claudia Fragapane - Great Britain - 2014 Commonwealth Games - Claudia's choreography was so unique that she has to remove her competitor number to perform it. Very seldom do we see break dancing moves in a gymnastics competition - but I loved the British gymnast's modern take on a floor routine. Very cool!

Watch Claudia's routine here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DT_NULL2_a8

3: Simone Biles - USA - 2014 World Championships - World champion Simone debuted a new routine in 2014 with the same upbeat mood that we have come to expect from her. Her choreography has always been well-suited to her bubbly personality and allowed her to enjoy the routine and engage with the crowd. Her energy is unbelievable!

2: Farah Ann Abdul Hadi - Malaysia - 2014 Commonwealth Games - Coming from a nation that is not known for being a big contender on the gymnastics scene, Farah Ann's floor routine at last year's Commonwealth Games was a very pleasant surprise. Her confident execution of her dance was refreshing, and she smiled from start to finish. I highly recommend you check it out!

Watch Farah Ann's routine here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uxam-QaGIQ

1: Claire Martin - France - 2014 World Championships (Qualifications) - My gold medal goes to French gymnast Claire Martin for her stunning floor routine during worlds qualifications. Her choreography was striking and highly engaging from the outset as well as aesthetically pleasing. It is exactly the kind of routine that I could watch again and again - it is obvious that great attention to detail was made in terms of posture and execution of steps. The music perfectly complements the routine also. Well worth a watch - truly inspiring!

Watch Claire's routine here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bZf4NTe6TJA

So those are my top ten floor routines from 2014! Every single one is worth a watch if you haven't already! I'd love to know if you love any of these routines as much as I do, or if you feel there is a routine I've missed. I hope this pre-Olympic year displays more great artistry!

Thanks for reading!

Lucy (16 year old gymnast from the UK)