On Thursday, Biles shared a video on Twitter that featured a vault move no female gymnast has ever pulled off in competition:
As fans on reddit noted, it was the Yurchenko double pike.
Earlier this month, Biles posted another clip of her working on the move and landing in a foam pit, which caused fans to wonder if she was really going to try it. Now, she’s landing on a mat over the pit, showing she’s not only closer to perfecting it, but also hinting that she may be prepping it for the Tokyo Games.
In response to the earlier clip, The Washington Post reported that the move might be too risky for the Olympics given that it can lead to a head or neck injury without the right height and technique. A few male gymnasts have performed the move, but no woman has done so in competition.
Everyone needs to understand how lucky we are to be alive in the time that @Simone_Biles is doing gymnastics.
LOOK.
AT.
THIS.
A Yurchenko double pike onto a soft mat and it looks PHENOMENAL. https://t.co/MuSeNNv7uD
— Jennifer Iacopelli (@jennifercarolyn) February 21, 2020
Any other gymnast ever: If I attempt a yurchenko double pike will I land on my neck and die instantly?@Simone_Biles: If I attempt a yurchenko double pike, will I have *too much power* for a clean landing?
😱😱😱
So glad I’m alive in her time ❤️👏🏼 https://t.co/bvvEc6eEzL
— Megan Jo (@MeganJo54759281) February 21, 2020