The Yurchenko double pike has never been done during Olympic competition, but Simone Biles seems poised to change that this summer.
WASHINGTON — Days before she takes the Olympic stage, Simone Biles wowed fans with a signature vault during Thursday’s podium training session in Paris.
The 27-year-old athlete nailed the Yurchenko double pike vault, a notoriously difficult skill that has never been done in Olympic competition.
Biles has spent years perfecting the move, which involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vault and ends with a piked double backflip to the landing.
The gymnast became the first woman ever to land the move during competition at the 2021 U.S. Classic.
Last year, the most decorated gymnast landed the infamous move at the 2023 World Championship during a qualifying event. The move, now known as the Biles II, is one of five moves named after the Olympian.
For the 2024 Summer Games, Biles is poised to give the difficult vault its Olympic competition debut.
She was expected to bring the move to the Toyko Olympics, and even tried it during practice, but the superstar withdrew from several events to focus on her mental health.
If her training gives us any insight, it’s that she’s ready to bring home some gold.
When does Simone Biles compete in Paris?
Biles is headlining Team USA’s women’s gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics, along with fellow superstars Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and 16-year-old newcomer Hezly Rivera.
The 27-year-old athlete will open competition in Paris with a team qualifying event on Sunday, July 28.
