Gymnastics legend Simone Biles has announced her retirement from the Yurchenko double pike, a signature vault that has brought her numerous gold medals.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has bid farewell to the iconic Yurchenko double pike, a gravity-defying vault that has earned her some of the most impressive scores of her career.
On Tuesday, Biles posted two photos on her Instagram account, staging a mock funeral for the move. In the images, Biles is dressed in white mourning attire, lying on top of a vaulting table surrounded by flowers.
Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike
"Rest in peace Yurchenko double pike," she captioned the post.
The Yurchenko double pike, which involves a Yurchenko entry with a double backflip, had become a staple of Biles' repertoire. She successfully executed the move at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite battling a calf injury. Her impressive performance earned her three gold medals and a silver medal at the Games, three years after a bout with the "twisties" hampered her performance in Tokyo.
Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike
Biles first landed the Yurchenko double pike in May 2021, becoming the first woman to ever complete the move. In recognition of her groundbreaking achievement, the move was officially renamed the "Biles II" in October 2023.
In an episode of her Facebook series, "Simone vs. Herself," Biles expressed her frustration that judges had been deducting points from her scores despite her unparalleled abilities.
Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike
"I'm almost 99.9% sure if any other athlete were to do it besides me, they would give it correct credit," Biles said, referring to the new moves she performed on the floor and balance beam at the 2019 World Championships.
"But since I’m already way ahead of everybody, they kinda want to pull it back. ... Because sometimes they don’t think it’s fair that I win all the time."
Despite the challenges she has faced, Biles remains a force to be reckoned with in the gymnastics world. She will continue to be a member of Team USA and is expected to compete in the upcoming gold medal tour.
Biles' decision to retire the Yurchenko double pike has sparked mixed reactions among fans and fellow gymnasts. Some have expressed sadness at the loss of such an iconic move, while others have commended Biles for moving on to new challenges.
Regardless of the reactions, Biles' legacy as the greatest gymnast of all time remains intact. Her unwavering determination and unparalleled abilities have inspired generations of aspiring athletes. As she looks to the future, she will undoubtedly continue to make history in the world of gymnastics and beyond.
