Vaulting in gymnastics is all about speed, power, and perfect timing. Some vaults are so difficult that only a few gymnasts have ever landed them successfully. Let’s take a look at the toughest vaults ever performed and what makes them so challenging!
Most Difficult Vaults in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
| Vault Name | Entry Type | Flipping & Twisting | Difficulty Score |
|---|
| Yurchenko Double Pike (Biles II) | Yurchenko (round-off, back handspring) | No twists, two backflips in a pike | 6.4 |
| Produnova | Handspring | Two front flips, no twists | 6.0 |
| Cheng | Round-off, half-on | Layout 1.5 twist | 5.6 |
| Tsukahara 2½ | Tsukahara | Layout backflip, 2½ twists | 5.6 |
| Yeo | Handspring | Layout, double twist | 5.6 |
1. Biles II
- Full Name: Yurchenko Double Pike (Biles II)
- Difficulty Score: 6.4
- Notable Performer: Simone Biles (USA)
- First Performed: 2021 U.S. Classic
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2023 World Championships
The Yurchenko Double Pike is an extremely difficult vault that involves a round-off onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table. From there, the gymnast launches into the air and executes two backflips in a piked position before landing. Unlike most high-difficulty vaults that incorporate twists, this vault is purely based on rotation, making it incredibly challenging to generate enough height and control the landing.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Limited Margin for Error: A small miscalculation in takeoff can result in a dangerous crash landing.
- Extreme Power Requirement: The gymnast must generate massive height and rotation from the springboard and vaulting table to complete two full backflips in the pike position.
- No Twisting for Additional Lift: Unlike other high-difficulty vaults, such as the Cheng, which use twisting to generate height and rotation, the Yurchenko Double Pike relies purely on explosive power.
- High Risk of Under-Rotation: Because the vault demands a tight pike position, it reduces the gymnast’s ability to spot the landing, increasing the risk of landing short.
Simone Biles became the first female gymnast to land this vault in competition at the 2021 U.S. Classic. In 2023, she successfully performed it at the World Championships in Antwerp, where it was officially added to the Code of Points as “Biles II.”
2. The Cheng
- Full Name: Cheng (Round-Off Half-On, Layout 1.5 Twist Off)
- Difficulty Score: 5.6
- Notable Performer: Cheng Fei (China)
- First Performed: 2005 World Championships
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2006
The Cheng is a highly difficult vault that involves a round-off onto the springboard, followed by a half-turn onto the vaulting table (half-on entry). From there, the gymnast launches into a layout backflip with 1.5 twists before landing. The skill is named after Chinese gymnast Cheng Fei, who first performed it in international competition at the 2005 World Championships.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Half-On Entry: Unlike Yurchenko-style vaults (which begin with a round-off onto the springboard), the Cheng requires gymnasts to twist onto the vaulting table while maintaining control of the entry.
- High-Speed Rotation: The layout position combined with 1.5 twists requires extreme coordination, core strength, and precise air awareness.
- Risk of Under-Rotation: Since the vault combines flipping and twisting, gymnasts must generate the right amount of power and control to avoid landing short or over-rotating.
- Hard Landing Control: The twisting motion can make it difficult for gymnasts to spot the landing, leading to frequent landing deductions for steps or instability.
The Cheng is considered one of the most consistent high-difficulty vaults performed by elite gymnasts, making it a favorite in vault finals due to its balance of difficulty and execution. It remains a key vault for Olympic and World Champions seeking high scores with controlled landings.
3. Tsukahara 2½
- Full Name: Tsukahara 2½ (Tsukahara with 2½ Twists)
- Difficulty Score: 5.6
Notable Performer: The Tsukahara 2½ has been performed by several elite gymnasts. Notably, Russian gymnast Elena Zamolodchikova executed a similar vault with a double twist, known as the Zamolodchikova, which has a difficulty score of 5.2. The Tsukahara 2½, with an additional half twist, increases the complexity and risk, reflecting its higher difficulty score.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Complex Twisting: Performing 2½ twists in a layout position requires exceptional air awareness and precise body control.
- High Risk of Landing Errors: The additional half twist increases the difficulty of spotting the landing, leading to a higher potential for landing deductions or injuries.
- Physical Demands: Executing this vault necessitates significant strength and speed to achieve the necessary height and rotation.
The Tsukahara vault is named after Japanese gymnast Mitsuo Tsukahara, who introduced it in the 1970s. The vault’s design allows for various twisting and flipping combinations, leading to multiple variations like the Tsukahara 2½.
4. The Produnova
- Full Name: Produnova (Handspring Double Front)
- Difficulty Score: 6.0
- Notable Performer: Yelena Produnova (Russia)
- First Performed: 1999 Universiade
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2000
The Produnova is one of the most dangerous vaults in gymnastics, often called the “Vault of Death” due to its extreme difficulty and high risk. It consists of a front handspring onto the vaulting table, followed by two front somersaults in a tucked position before landing. The skill demands immense power, precise technique, and perfect air awareness to avoid a dangerous crash landing.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Extreme Rotation Requirement: Completing two front flips after a handspring entry requires tremendous height, speed, and power off the vaulting table.
- Blind Landing: Unlike twisting vaults where gymnasts can spot their landing mid-air, the Produnova’s tucked front flips leave no room for visual reference before landing.
- High Risk of Under-Rotation: If the gymnast does not generate enough height, they risk landing on their neck or back, leading to serious injuries.
- Limited Use in Competition: Only a handful of gymnasts have ever attempted this vault due to its risk factor, making it a rare and controversial skill.
The Produnova is considered one of the most dangerous vaults ever performed in WAG history. Due to its high injury risk, many coaches and officials discourage gymnasts from attempting it unless they have the strength and technique to execute it safely.
The Yeo
- Difficulty Score: 5.8
- Notable Performer: Yeo Seo-jeong (South Korea)
- First Performed: 2019 Korea Cup
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2019
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Complex Twisting: Executing a double twist in a layout position requires exceptional coordination and control.
- Powerful Handspring Entry: The vault demands significant strength and speed during the handspring to achieve the necessary height and rotation.
- Risk of Landing Errors: The intricate twisting increases the challenge of a controlled landing, with potential for deductions if not executed precisely.
Yeo Seo-jeong introduced this vault at the 2019 Korea Cup, making her the first woman to perform it successfully in competition. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Yeo won the bronze medal on vault, becoming the first South Korean female gymnast to medal at the Olympics. She continued her success by winning the gold medal on vault at the 2022 Asian Championships.
Most Difficult Vaults in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
| Vault Name | Entry Type | Flipping & Twisting | Difficulty Score |
|---|
| Yang Hak Seon | Handspring | Layout backflip, 3 twists | 6.0 |
| Ri Se Gwang | Tsukahara | Full-twisting double back tuck | 6.0 |
| Ri Se Gwang 2 | Handspring | Piked double front with half twist | 6.0 |
| Shirai II | Yurchenko | Layout backflip, triple twist | 6.0 |
| Tsukahara 3½ | Tsukahara | Layout backflip, 3½ twists | 6.0 |
1. Yang Hak Seon
- Full Name: Yang Hak Seon (Front Handspring Triple Twist)
- Difficulty Score: 6.0
- Notable Performer: Yang Hak-seon (South Korea)
- First Performed: 2011 World Championships
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2011
The Yang Hak Seon vault involves a front handspring onto the vaulting table, followed by a layout backflip with three full twists (1080°) before landing. This vault demands extraordinary speed, explosive power, and precise twisting technique, making it one of the most challenging vaults in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG).
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Triple Twisting Layout: Completing three full twists in a straight (layout) position requires extreme aerial control and rapid twisting mechanics.
- Blind Landing: Unlike backward twisting vaults, the front handspring entry means gymnasts cannot see the ground until the final phase, increasing the risk of landing errors.
- High-Speed Execution: The vault demands maximum explosive power from the board and vaulting table to gain enough height and rotation.
- Precision Timing: Mistiming the twists or failing to maintain a tight body shape can lead to over-rotation or under-rotation, risking deductions or injury.
Yang Hak-seon (South Korea) became the first gymnast to successfully land this vault at the 2011 World Championships, securing his name in gymnastics history. He won gold in vault at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming South Korea’s first-ever Olympic gymnastics champion.
2. Ri Se Gwang
- Full Name: Ri Se Gwang (Full-Twisting Double Tsukahara)
- Difficulty Score: 6.0
- Notable Performer: Ri Se Gwang (North Korea)
- First Performed: 2009 World Championships
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2009
The Ri Se Gwang vault is one of the most difficult in men’s gymnastics, requiring incredible explosive power and aerial control. It begins with a Tsukahara-style entry, where the gymnast performs a ¼ or ½ turn onto the vaulting table, followed by a double backflip in a tucked position with a full twist before landing. This vault is exceptionally challenging due to high-speed rotation, flipping, and twisting.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Double Backflip with a Full Twist: The gymnast must complete two full somersaults while simultaneously executing a full twist, making the air mechanics incredibly complex.
- Extreme Power Requirement: Due to the Tsukahara-style entry, gymnasts must generate enough upward and rotational force in a short takeoff time.
- Blind Landing: The rapid rotation and twisting make it difficult to spot the ground, increasing the risk of a short landing or over-rotation.
- Perfect Body Control: The vault leaves no room for error—misjudging height, twist timing, or landing angle can lead to dangerous falls.
Ri Se Gwang (North Korea) introduced this vault at the 2009 World Championships, where it was officially recognized in the FIG Code of Points. He later added the Ri Se Gwang 2 vault (a front handspring double piked frontflip with a half twist), also rated at 6.0 difficulty.
3. Ri Se Gwang 2
- Full Name: Ri Se Gwang 2 (Handspring Double Piked Front with Half Twist)
- Difficulty Score: 6.0
- Notable Performer: Ri Se Gwang (North Korea)
- First Performed: 2008 Asian Gymnastics Championships, Doha
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2009
The Ri Se Gwang 2 is one of the most challenging vaults in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, named after North Korean gymnast Ri Se-gwang, who first performed it at the 2008 Asian Gymnastics Championships in Doha. This vault involves a front handspring onto the vaulting table, followed by a double front somersault in a piked position with a half twist before landing.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- Double Frontflip with a Half Twist: Unlike traditional vaults that use a Yurchenko or Tsukahara entry, this vault requires the gymnast to flip forward twice before twisting, making it harder to control.
- Piked Body Position: The gymnast remains in a piked shape (legs straight but bent at the hips) throughout the flips, which makes rotation harder compared to a tucked position.
- Blind Landing: Since the vault involves forward flipping, the gymnast cannot spot the landing until the last moment, increasing the risk of a dangerous crash.
- Power and Precision: The front handspring entry demands maximum speed and explosive force to generate the necessary height and rotation while maintaining form.
Ri Se Gwang is one of the few gymnasts in history to have two different vaults named after him, with a difficulty score of 6.0. The Ri Se Gwang vault remains one of the hardest and most dangerous vaults in men’s gymnastics, solidifying its place among the most legendary skills in the sport.
4. Shirai II
- Full Name: Shirai II (Yurchenko 3½ Twist)
- Difficulty Score: 6.0
- Notable Performer: Kenzo Shirai (Japan)
- First Performed: 2016 Summer Olympics
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2016
The Shirai II vault is a highly complex skill in men’s artistic gymnastics. It begins with a Yurchenko entry, where the gymnast performs a round-off onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table. Upon leaving the table, the gymnast executes a layout backflip with 3½ twists (1260°) before landing. This vault showcases exceptional twisting ability and aerial awareness.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- High Degree of Twisting: Completing 3½ twists in a layout position requires extraordinary speed and precision, making it one of the most challenging vaults.
- Complex Airborne Maneuvering: The gymnast must maintain a straight body line while performing rapid twists, demanding exceptional core strength and control.
- Blind Landing: The extensive twisting makes it difficult for gymnasts to spot the landing, increasing the risk of errors.
Kenzo Shirai introduced this vault at the 2016 Rio Olympics, earning it the name Shirai II. Shirai’s innovation in twisting elements has significantly influenced the progression of vault techniques in men’s gymnastics.
5. Tsukahara 3½
- Full Name: Tsukahara 3½ (Tsukahara with 3½ Twists)
- Difficulty Score: 6.0
- Notable Performer: Jake Jarman (Great Britain)
- First Performed: 2023 World Gymnastics Championships
- Recognized in the Code of Points: 2023
The Tsukahara 3½ is an advanced vault in men’s artistic gymnastics. It begins with a round-off (cartwheel with a half turn) onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table. Upon leaving the table, the gymnast performs a layout backflip with 3½ twists (1260°) before landing. This vault requires exceptional aerial awareness and rapid twisting capability.
Why Is It So Difficult?
- High Degree of Twisting: Executing 3½ twists in a layout position demands extraordinary speed and precision, making it one of the most challenging vaults.
- Complex Airborne Maneuvering: Maintaining a straight body line while performing rapid twists requires exceptional core strength and control.
- Blind Landing: The extensive twisting makes it difficult for gymnasts to spot the landing, increasing the risk of errors.
The Tsukahara vault is named after Mitsuo Tsukahara, who first performed it in 1972. Since then, the vault has evolved, with gymnasts adding more twists to increase its difficulty.