What is the dead loop in gymnastics? All about the maneuver that got banned

The Dead Loop is a gymnastic move that was named after legendary Olympian Olga Korbut. Her video footage of doing the maneuver recently went viral on the internet and created curiosity amongst enthusiasts about what it was and why it got banned.

This was one of the dangerous gymnastics moves, where a gymnast stands on the high bar, which is followed by a backflip and then grasping the bar again. It was considered to be one of the most dangerous stunts and could create dangerous results if it went wrong in any way. The gymnasts could be harmed or injured in multiple manners if they missed their footing or failed to grasp bar at the end of the trick.

This maneuver was performed by Olga Korbut during the 1972 Munich Olympics, and the video of her performing the Dead Loop went viral on Twitter and various other social media handles, capturing around 2 million views.

The Dead Loop is also known as the Korbut Flip, as it was the Olympian's signature move and inspired multiple gymnasts. This trick is performed on uneven bars and requires immense strength, concentration, timing, and coordination to succesfully execute it.

Why the Dead Loop get banned?

The International Gymnastics Federation decided to ban the Dead Loop or the Korbut Flip shortly after Olga Korbut performed it during the Olympics, citing several factors for the safety of the gymnasts. This trick had the potential to cause severe injuries to the gymnast, especially around the neck, head, and spine.

Considering the safety was also a clear message for the future gymnasts that safety is the first concern to be considered in any new techniques. This also encouraged the gymnasts and coaches to develop new techniques that are completely safe to be executed in all ways.

Mechanism of the Dead Loop

The stunt was performed with several mechanics exceuted by the gymnasts. They commenced it with multiple swings that allowed them to have the required grip and attain the power and speed which is needed for the next swing.

They then released the bar after reaching the peak of their swing and balanced their body in an arc. This was followed by them executing a somesault which permitted the body for regrasping. The gymnast again regrasped the bar and conitued the routine without facing any hindrance in the flow of their performance.