Why the 'wolf turn' is such a big deal

A deceptively difficult gymnastics turn.

Every Summer Olympics, gymnasts amaze viewers by performing incredibly complex and dangerous skills. As these routines get more and more complicated, they become harder to top -- and the latest way to add value and distinguish a routine is the wolf turn.

The wolf turn has actually been around for decades. But recently it’s become a favorite in balance beam and floor routines. A gymnast will get into a squat position with one leg stretched out. She’ll then stretch out her arms and wind them up. Once she finds her balance, she’ll start spinning. Finally, she’ll stop and return to her original stance.

Seems pretty simple, but the movement relies on a delicate balance of mass and inertia. One wobble and things fall apart. Of course, there’s a reason gymnasts perform this delicate balance: points. The turn is used strategically because its relatively high difficulty level means judges value it more than a regular turn.

[Vox]

I love the name “wolf turn, ” but through all my research I couldn’t figure out what it means! No one seems to know where it comes from. Let us know if you have any ideas! -Antonella

[lakicia]

I was guilty of saying, "why are so many gymnasts doing this simple turn now?" UNTIL I heard a commentator during the trials say, "Think this is easy? Get down on your living room floor and try it". I did, and I couldn't even lift my extended leg off the floor. 🤦🏿‍♀️ Lol Much respect to these athletes. They make this stuff look so effortless.

[enzov]

Do more of Olympic scoring. It’s always hard to tell which gymnast performed a “harder” trick better

[akiyamada]

Gymnastics has become so difficult over the years because these amazing people want to do more better than those before them. Knowing that a backwalkover was once included at the Olympics and is now a low level move blows my mind sometimes.

[Nesmeyanaxa]

"Wolf turn" is literal translation of a toy wheel that should keep balance to spin around. In russian language it's called "волчок" 🐺🌪️

[vageeshdevanathan]

There are so many people politicizing her dropping out. I’m glad Vox made this video

[blakefalk]

One additional point not mentioned in the video: a reason Wolf Turns are so popular is because they carry a maximum 0.3 deduction in execution, even if you grasp the beam (vs. a 0.5 deduction if you grasp the beam doing any other style turn). Really limits the downside risk to execution! Fun fact: in the next Olympic cycle, gymnasts will only be able to do 1 wolf turn in a routine (rather than multiple), probably as a direct result of its popularity.

[ludoviajante]

This is fascinating. Unfortunately in my country (Brazil) there hasn't been much investment in sports, even so the Olympics have left us more united and inspired. This video comes at a good time. Thanks Vox!

[miphasgrace]

Figure skating has a similar move, the sit spin. As former ballet dancer, I can only imagine the amount of strength these athletes have to pull off these moves while making it look so effortless

[Naistov]

This is so interesting. I love learning the technicality of things that seemingly looks easy because they are performed so well🙌🏽

[seandesautelle]

I’d love another of these about the physics of u even bars, it leaves me absolutely mesmerized how the gymnasts can launch themselves off of the bars, do a precise acrobatic element, and then reconnect all in a matter of seconds.

[tmlee]

I just love Simone. Time written an article about the "twisties" that was very detailed in explaining what it is. Very good article. I am just so excited for her return into the olympics for the beam.

[AdeleiTeillana]

Just FYI the gymnastics community hates this turn and is really pulling hard for it to be devalued. It's thought to be one of the ugliest turns because most gymnasts are so sloppy when doing it, arms flailing everywhere, and when they do it on the floor rather than the beam they don't even complete a perfect 360° (or whatever amount of rotation they're going for.) Simone is about the only one who can make it look pretty.

[mikaylaholland]

I really hate the way this turn looks and I hope we can move on to some other incredibly difficult turn. Simone's triple on the beam ALMOST changed my mind -- even those at the top so rarely are able to make it look graceful.

[TashasTattoos]

I've been dying for somebody to talk about this wolf turn cuz I keep seeing it as wobbly... Then I watched the the rhythmic gymnasts - they do this perfectly every time! Trust me go look at the difference

[Reavenk]

3:48 I get where she's coming from, but wildly flailing around is (in any STEM field) literally the most dynamic thing possible.

[kastubh]

That was very informative. They truly are world class atheletes

[Rawrmuffin]

Spins are a basic element in a routine and are compulsory so that’s why everyone spins. The wolf turn is just the current trend for spins. Back in 2012 they would pirouette with one leg fully pulled into their chest. It’s just a new max scoring trick !

[LizardSnapper]

Wish they showed Vladislava Urazova’s wolf turns! They’re near perfect every time! (Especially before her growth spurt)

[visitstothebank]

Ngl I would love if y’all did more things like this durning the olympics just so we know how difficult some of these sports actually are. Cause I be watching some stuff and be confused on what they are exactly being judged on.