Catching up with London Phillips (Originator of the Biles I)

We’re so excited to be joined by London Phillips, a former elite gymnast from the early to mid-2000s, best known for being the first gymnast to compete a double layout half out on floor — the skill now known as the Biles I in the Code of Points. London performed this groundbreaking skill in 2005, along with a number of other extremely difficult and original elements that were well ahead of their time.

Every once in a while, one of her floor routines resurfaces online or sparks discussion, which made us really curious about where she is today and left us wanting to learn more about her career.

London finished 12th all-around and 1st on vault at the 2003 U.S. Championships as a junior, and went on to place 3rd all-around, 3rd on uneven bars, and 1st on vault at the 2006 Level 10 Nationals before earning a full scholarship to Cal State Fullerton.

We chat with her about how she learned the double layout half out, why she didn’t continue pursuing elite gymnastics, and so much more!

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