What is a Yurchenko double pike? Simone Biles makes history with ‘nerve-racking’ vault at US Classic

What is a Yurchenko double pike?

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle described the vault as he said, “The Yurchenko double pike starts with a somersault with a half-turn onto a springboard, followed by a back handspring onto the diving table and two revolutions in the air in pike position, with knees straight and the body bent at the waist.”

According to an article in The Washington Post, “Yurchenko” means the vault’s entry, which has been named after Natalia Yurchenko, a former Soviet artistic gymnast, who was the winner of the women's all-around gold medal in the 1980s World Championships. This style is common among gymnasts, where they do a round-off onto the springboard, then a back handspring onto the vault. And when their hands touch the vaulting table, they fly into the air and begin a single flip. That’s the flip from where variety often starts.

Internet was in awe of Biles

NBA superstar LeBron James praised Biles on Twitter by sharing the video of her and writing, “MY GOODNESS @Simone_Biles !!” A user on Twitter said, “Arguably the best athlete on the planet.” The second one asked, “Is there anything she can’t do?” “She flies so fast, can't even count the revolutions without freezing frame by frame! Best wishes to you and the whole team for a successful Olympics. Fly high and fast dear Ladies, you make us very proud!” the third added.

A person shared, “Send her to the Track and Field Olympic Trials, and let her run the 100m. She would at least hold her own for 30 - 40 meters.” Another person stated, “If that was me, I would have tripped right before that first flip and skidded until I hit my head on the bottom of the post holding up that platform.” “GOAT! 47 yrs ago I was a 12 yr old Black girl growing up in projects. Stumbled on gynmastic via middle school cheerleading. Lessons were 0.50/each. Friends & I were called every vile name you can't imagine. Fly HIGH Ms. Biles. So grateful I lived long enough to see YOU SOAR!” a proud user added.