Clemson Gymnast Lands the Biles I, Joining Elite Company
Brie Clark, a standout gymnast at Clemson University, has made history by becoming the first collegiate athlete to land the Biles I in competition. This signature move, created by Olympic champion Simone Biles, is one of the most difficult skills in gymnastics. Only four other gymnasts worldwide have successfully completed it.
On February 28, Clark executed the move during a routine, showcasing her incredible power and precision. The Biles I requires a blind landing after two fully laid-out flips and a 180-degree twist. Despite stepping out of bounds, Clark’s achievement has cemented her place in gymnastics history.
A Rising Star in Collegiate Gymnastics
Clark’s journey to this historic moment has been nothing short of remarkable. As a redshirt junior at Clemson, she has already made waves in the program’s short two-year history. In 2024, she became the first Clemson gymnast to earn a perfect score, further solidifying her legacy.
Before joining Clemson, Clark was a standout at Utah State University. As a freshman in 2022, she was named a Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association All-American on the floor, setting a school record with a National Qualifying Score of 9.940. Her talent and determination have made her a role model for aspiring gymnasts everywhere.
Simone Biles Takes Notice
Clark’s historic routine didn’t go unnoticed by Simone Biles herself. The gymnastics legend shared a video of Clark’s performance on her Instagram Stories, captioning it, “I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT.” Biles also commented on Clemson Gymnastics’ Instagram post, celebrating Clark’s achievement during Black History Month.
“Congrats 🎉🎉🎉🎉🤭🤭🤭🤭,” Biles wrote, followed by, “& closing out Black History Month! YES MA’AM 😮💨 iktr!!!!!!!” Clark’s reaction to Biles’ comments was priceless. “Shut up!” she exclaimed upon realizing Biles had acknowledged her twice. “She knows I exist.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Clark’s achievement is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a source of inspiration for young gymnasts, especially those of color. Her success highlights the importance of representation in sports and the power of perseverance.
During an appearance on Good Morning America on March 2, Clark expressed her disbelief and gratitude. “It’s like a dream come true,” she said. “I don’t think it’s really hit me yet…She’s such a role model for me, and I’ve always looked up to her.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Women’s History Month begins, Clark’s historic routine serves as a reminder of the incredible achievements of women in sports. Her dedication and talent have not only made her a trailblazer but also a symbol of Black excellence in gymnastics.
With her groundbreaking performance, Brie Clark has proven that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Her story is a testament to the power of dreaming big and breaking barriers.
