During a gymnastics routine, what causes a gymnast's twist rate to suddenly increase mid-air after initiating a layout somersault?

💡 Explanation

The twist rate increases due to conservation of angular momentum; by pulling the arms closer to the body, the moment of inertia decreases, and therefore angular velocity (twist rate) increases to maintain constant angular momentum. This occurs because angular momentum must be conserved rather than increased air resistance causing the twist.

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