Simone Biles’s relationship with the Yurchenko double pike, the Biles eponymous skill, remains one of the most memorable chapters in modern gymnastics. The vault, known as the Biles II, is not only technically unmatched but also carries a story of triumph, uncertainty, and eventual closure. She first completed it in front of judges at the 2021 US Classic in Indianapolis, becoming the first woman to perform the move in competition. The vault involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the table, and a double somersault in a piked position before landing. Awarded a difficulty score of 6.4, it stood as the most challenging vault in the women’s code. And now, that has returned to the conversation.
Her decision to attempt that vault on the international stage appeared certain during podium training at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Videos of her rehearsals drew attention across the sport, but the moment never reached competition. Biles withdrew from the vault final after experiencing the “twisties,” a mental block that disrupted her spatial awareness. Yet, three years later in Paris, she returned to the vault under Olympic lights and produced a 15.700, enough to secure gold in the vault final despite a deduction on her second attempt, a Cheng. But following that, the dynamics changed.
The significance of that Paris vault returned to conversation this week, as fans revisited her farewell to the skill. “Simone Biles said goodbye to the YDP a year ago today 🫶 Will we ever see another woman compete this vault???”, Gymnastics Now (@gymnastics__now) posted on Instagram, marking the anniversary of her retirement of the move. The reminder brought her decision back into focus, an announcement she made not long after standing atop the podium in Paris.
In September 2024, Biles staged what she called a “funeral” for the Yurchenko double pike. She appeared in all white, seated on a vault covered in flowers, and captioned the scene with, “rest in peace yurchenko double pike.” The post served as finality. Asked in Paris if she would attempt the vault again, she answered directly.
“Is this my last? Definitely the Yurchenko double pike. I mean, I kind of nailed that one.” In the Netflix docu-series Simone Biles Rising, she expanded on the experience, stating, “Just scary. And it’s every time you do it, you’re scared. Every time I do it, I’m like — OK. One more time.” But fans largely welcomed her decision. Many expressed relief that she would no longer risk injury on an element even she described as unsettling. “She said ‘i hope yall saw that bc i will NOT be doing it again!!’” One user wrote in response to her post. Others noted the humor in the staged farewell, with one remarking, “OMG you just threw a funeral/eulogized your vault. I am deceased.”
She was the first woman to land it in competition in 2021, the first to have it recognized internationally in 2023, and the only one to win Olympic gold with it in 2024. The vault, however, is now consigned to history, remembered as both her most dangerous and her most defining contribution. Even in her absence from competition today, its story continues to remind the sport of her unmatched legacy.
Simone Biles weighs future as she questions return for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Simone Biles addressed her future with deliberate candor, conceding that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics might arrive without her on the competition floor. At 28, she acknowledged that the years ahead would demand careful consideration, particularly as the physical burden of gymnastics weighed more heavily on her with each season. “But 2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris,” she remarked.
Even though Simone Biles has stepped away from the mat, her name continues to echo across the sports world. Recently, an emotional Olympic memory resurfaced online, sparking powerful conversations about her unmatched legacy. It reminded fans and critics alike of why Biles isn’t just an athlete—she’s an icon who reshaped gymnastics forever.
In this article, we’ll explore the emotional Olympic moment that reignited global admiration, why Simone Biles’ influence reaches far beyond medals, and how her story continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
Simone Biles: A Quick Look Back at Greatness
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Simone Biles’ story started in Columbus, Ohio, where a young girl turned her energy into extraordinary athleticism. Raised in a supportive environment, Biles’ natural talent quickly propelled her onto the elite stage.
Dominating the Olympics
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles became a household name after winning four gold medals and a bronze. Her routines redefined difficulty in gymnastics, pushing boundaries with jaw-dropping flips and twists.
Why She’s Called the GOAT
Biles isn’t just celebrated for her medals. She’s celebrated for breaking the sport’s limits, making skills so tough they were named after her. Few athletes can claim that level of dominance.
The Emotional Olympic Memory That Resurfaced
Tokyo 2020: A Different Kind of Courage
During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Biles shocked the world by stepping back from several events, citing mental health struggles and the infamous “twisties.” That decision turned into one of the most powerful Olympic moments—not for victory, but for vulnerability.
The Reminder That Went Viral
Recently, a clip from Tokyo resurfaced, showing Biles cheering on her teammates even while sidelined. Fans flooded social media, calling it a reminder of her unmatched leadership and resilience.
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking About It
The moment symbolizes more than gymnastics. It’s about humanity, self-awareness, and courage. Simone Biles showed that stepping back can sometimes be more powerful than stepping up.
Beyond the Medals: Simone Biles’ Impact
Changing the Mental Health Conversation
Biles’ honesty about her struggles shattered stigma in sports. She reminded the world that mental health is just as important as physical strength.
Redefining Success in Sports
Her story proves success isn’t only about winning gold. Sometimes, success is about choosing health, balance, and long-term well-being.
A Role Model for Generations
Millions of young athletes look up to Biles—not just for her skills, but for her bravery. She represents resilience, self-love, and authenticity.
Simone Biles’ Legacy in Gymnastics
The Biles Skills
Four skills across different apparatuses carry her name. Each represents groundbreaking difficulty that only a handful of athletes can attempt.
Setting New Standards
Judges had to reconsider scoring systems because of her unmatched complexity. Biles forced the sport to evolve.
The GOAT Mentality
Her legacy isn’t just about flips—it’s about mindset. She approached challenges with fearless determination, inspiring others to aim higher.
Why This Olympic Memory Matters Today
A Symbol of Strength in Vulnerability
The Tokyo moment wasn’t about medals—it was about resilience. It taught millions that strength sometimes means admitting you need a break.
Inspiration Beyond Sports
Corporate leaders, students, and parents all found meaning in her choice. She became a symbol for prioritizing mental health in every field.
Proof That Icons Never Fade
Even years later, a single video of Biles cheering still stirs emotions worldwide. That’s what legacy looks like—it never disappears.
Simone Biles Today: Life Beyond the Gym
Personal Happiness
Since stepping away, Biles has focused on family, love, and personal joy. Her marriage to NFL player Jonathan Owens brought fans closer to her personal life.
Championing Mental Health
She continues to speak openly about athlete well-being, influencing policies and encouraging conversations in sports organizations.
Future Possibilities
While she may or may not return to competition, her impact is already sealed. The possibility of another Olympic run excites fans, but even without it, her name lives on.
The Emotional Connection Fans Feel
Why People Relate to Her
Everyone knows what it’s like to struggle, doubt, or face pressure. Simone Biles’ story connects because it’s real, raw, and universal.
The Social Media Effect
Every time her Olympic memory resurfaces, it reignites admiration and creates viral moments—proof her influence hasn’t faded.
Her Legacy as More Than an Athlete
For fans, she isn’t just a gymnast—she’s a leader, a role model, and a cultural icon.
What This Means for the Next Generation
Empowering Young Athletes
Young gymnasts are inspired to focus on both physical performance and mental health. They see that even the best need balance.
Changing Coaching Approaches
Coaches worldwide now integrate mental health awareness into training programs—thanks to Biles’ example.
A Long-Lasting Legacy
Her influence will shape not just current athletes but generations to come.
Conclusion: Simone Biles’ Legacy Is Forever
Simone Biles may be away from gymnastics, but her emotional Olympic memory continues to remind the world of her unmatched legacy. She taught us that true greatness isn’t just about medals or records—it’s about courage, humanity, and the ability to inspire beyond the arena.
Her legacy will forever be etched in Olympic history, not only as the GOAT in gymnastics but as a symbol of strength in vulnerability.
