Imagine launching off a springboard, twisting through the air not once, but twice, all while keeping your body perfectly straight with legs extended.
That’s exactly what Simone Biles and a few other top gymnasts are mastering—the Yurchenko double pike. This incredible move is not just difficult; it’s considered the toughest vault in women’s gymnastics.
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What is the Yurchenko vault?
The Yurchenko Double Pike vault is a variation of the Yurchenko vault, named after Natalia Yurchenko who first performed the original Yurchenko vault in 1982.
The Yurchenko vault involves a roundoff onto the springboard followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table and typically a single somersault in the air before landing.
The Double Pike variation, however, adds an additional twist—literally. Instead of a single somersault, the gymnast performs two somersaults in a piked position before landing.
Simone Biles and Yurchenko Double Pike
Simone Biles made history when she unveiled the Yurchenko Double Pike at the 2021 U.S. Classic. This marked the first instance of a female gymnast performing this extraordinarily difficult vault in competition.
Simone Biles made a historic return to international gymnastics at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, after a two-year hiatus. She achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully executing the Yurchenko double pike vault, now famously known as the Biles II.
This vault has been assigned a difficulty score of 6.4 points, significantly higher than any other vault in the women’s scoring code at the time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how this vault is typically performed:
1. Approach and Run-Up
- Run-Up: Begin with a controlled sprint towards the vaulting table. The speed generated during the approach is crucial for the momentum needed to execute the vault effectively.
2. Roundoff onto the Springboard
- Entry: Initiate a roundoff onto the springboard. Unlike traditional vault entries, the Yurchenko vault involves a roundoff, which is a cartwheel-like motion where you turn sideways and place your hands on the springboard.
3. Back Handspring onto the Vault
- Hands-on Approach: Immediately after the roundoff, execute a powerful back handspring onto the vaulting table. This transition from the springboard to the vaulting table is known as the Yurchenko entry.
4. Push-Off and Take-Off
- Push-Off: Utilize the springiness of the vaulting table to push off with both hands. The push-off needs to be explosive to generate sufficient height and rotation for the subsequent phases of the vault.
5. Pike Position and Rotation
- Execution: As you leave the vaulting table, enter into a pike position. In the pike position, your body is bent at the hips with your legs straight. This position is more challenging to control than a tuck position but allows for more efficient rotation.
- Rotation: Perform two full pike rotations (720 degrees) in the air. Spotting the ground during these rotations is crucial for maintaining orientation and preparing for the landing.
6. Spotting and Landing
- Spotting: Towards the end of the second rotation, spot the ground to prepare for the landing. This involves visually identifying the landing area to orient your body properly.
- Landing: Extend your legs slightly before landing to absorb the impact. Aim to land with your chest up and your body upright to demonstrate control and minimize the risk of injury.
Why Is Yurchenko Double Pike So Hard?
The Yurchenko Double Pike vault is considered exceptionally difficult for several reasons, reflecting both its technical demands and the challenges it poses to gymnasts:
- Two Piked Somersaults:
Unlike traditional vaults that typically involve one somersault, the Yurchenko Double Pike requires the gymnast to perform two consecutive somersaults in a piked position. This demands a high level of rotational speed, precision in technique, and exceptional air awareness.
- Execution Sequence:
The vault begins with a roundoff onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and then two piked somersaults in quick succession. Coordinating these movements while maintaining control and height is extremely challenging.
- Potential for Over- or Under-rotation:
Performing two somersaults increases the risk of over-rotating (which can lead to landing short) or under-rotating (resulting in a dangerous landing). This requires precise timing and adjustment in mid-air, which is difficult to master consistently.
- Mental Toughness:
Performing such a high-risk skill requires strong mental focus, confidence, and the ability to manage pressure. Overcoming fear and maintaining concentration during the execution are vital for a successful attempt.
- Competitive Expectations:
As the sport evolves, there is a growing expectation for gymnasts to innovate and perform higher-difficulty skills to remain competitive. The Yurchenko Double Pike vault exemplifies this trend towards pushing boundaries and advancing the sport’s technical repertoire.
Yurchenko Double Pike in Olympic Games 2024
During podium training for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles made headlines by successfully drilling her signature Yurchenko double pike vault.
Biles focused intensely on drilling it. This process includes repeated attempts to perfect the entry, execute the necessary flips with optimal form, and stick the landing consistently.
As she prepares to compete in Paris, Simone Biles remains a frontrunner for gold, setting the stage for what promises to be another historic Olympic performance.
