Simone Biles Pulls Off Vault In Training Never Landed By Woman In Competition
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Simone Biles pulled off an incredible vault in training that no woman has ever landed in competition. Watch here:
The American Olympic champion gymnast landed the Yurchenko double pike not once but twice, ahead of the U.S. Classic this weekend.
The move has never been performed by a woman in competition, so it looks like the 24-year-old could be set to make more history soon.
The Yurchenko Vault is named after retired Soviet gymnast Natalia Yurchenko, with the double pike adding an additional flip to the manoeuvre.
On top of the sheer technical ability and athleticism involved in this move, it also takes a hell of a lot of bottle, for as you can see, it requires the gymnast to pick up a load of speed.
It's understandable then that she told her coach she got 'a little nervous' on the landing.
According to NBC Sports, she said after the training session yesterday (Friday 21 May): "I was like, 'It's OK, I've done this so many times, I've been doing this for months now.'"
A doddle, isn't it?
But having let this remarkable cat out of the bag, social media was awash with praise for the athlete, with the likes of basketball player LeBron James gobsmacked by her accomplishment:
MY GOODNESS @Simone_Biles!! :fire::fire::fire::fire::fire::fire::fire::fire: https://t.co/ejJ5hfPaWm
- LeBron James (@KingJames) May 21, 2021
there will never be a gymnast like Simone Biles ever again, we are truly so lucky we get to watch her compete
- :sparkles: (@ncaagymstars) May 21, 2021
YOU. ARE. INSANE.... @Simone_Biles pic.twitter.com/sDTOIjcMVu
- Nastia Liukin (@NastiaLiukin) May 21, 2021
KEEPING THIS A SECRET FOR LIKE 7 MONTHS HAS BEEN THE HARDEST THING. @Simone_Biles you leave me speechless. i'm in awe https://t.co/I2k8qHBTyM
- Heath Thorpe (@thorpeheath) May 21, 2021
I did that when a car hit me while riding a bike. Did not stick the landing, tho.
- ( ( ( ( ( ( S h i p ☸️ w r i g h t ) ) ) ) ) ) (@ForAllTheMarblz) May 21, 2021
When it comes to body mechanics, this woman is just shy of super when it comes to us mere mortals. Throw out the record books.
- GQ Lewis :purple_heart::yellow_heart: (@gqlewis) May 21, 2021
Simone Biles just did THAT.
(via @NastiaLiukin) @OnHerTurf pic.twitter.com/HtkwAvPcEH
- #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) May 21, 2021
Hopefully it's only a matter of time then until the whole world will get to watch her nail the move at the Olympics.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: US News
