#1 Best Performance of 2014 - Simone Biles at World Championships Nanning, China

As the year draws to a close, we are taking a look back at the best of 2014. The final few days of this year will be filled with the best routines, moments, and more from this year for you to enjoy. Wrapping up today’s list of best performances of 2014 is Simone Biles demolishing the competition at World’s.

 

In October, the reigning World Champ defended her title at the 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Nanning, China. Not only did she help Team USA to a nearly seven point landslide win, Biles did more than just repeat an accomplishment some had already achieved; Simone Biles set a benchmark of her own. Her total of 6 World gold medals is the most by an American gymnast, surpassing Shannon Miller's total of 5 and became the first back-to-back World Champion since Svetlana Khorkina in 2003 and only the second U.S. woman ever to accomplish this feat. 

 

Heading into the all-around final, Biles qualified in first, Aliya Mustafina of Russia in second, and Larisa Iordache of Romania in third.  The top contenders had the advantage of competing in Olympic order. On vault, Biles performed her outstanding Amanar with great height and a hop forward, just like in qualifications and team finals, scoring a 15.866. Biles followed a great vault with a great bar routine, hitting all of her connections and also sticking her full in dismount for a 14.533. At the halfway point, Biles maintained her lead with a 30.399 while nipping at her heels was Mustafina with a 30.141 and Yao Jinnan of China with a 30.066. 

 

Biles was up first for the beam rotation. Despite a few balance checks, shelooked strong and confident and finished with her signature full in dismount, scoring a 14.766. Saving the best for last, Biles was the last gymnast to perform in entire meet, needing only a 14.6 to win. She delivered an outstanding routine with huge tumbling, scoring a 15.066 and securing her gold medal with an all-around total of 60.231.  Larisa Iordache of Romania earned the silver medal with a 59.765 and Kyla Ross earned the bronze with a 58.232.   



That wraps things up for the Best Performances of the year. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more of the Best of 2014! 



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#2 Best Performance of 2014
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Best of 2014 Master List