Sports

Things Simone Biles Can Do That Most Of Us Definitely Cannot

Simone Biles made history last weekend when she became the first woman in history to successfully complete a Yurchenko double pike vault.

Simone Biles lands the Yurchenko double pike while competing on the vault during the 2021 GK U.S. Classic gymnastics competition Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Simone Biles lands the Yurchenko double pike while competing on the vault during the 2021 GK U.S. Classic gymnastics competition Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles made history during the U.S. Classic last weekend when she became the first woman in history to successfully complete a Yurchenko double pike vault — a skill so difficult it had only been previously attempted in competition by men.

The Yurchenko double pike vault is a skill that includes a roundoff onto the springboard, a handspring onto the vault and a double backflip in a pike position before landing.

Even Biles herself couldn't believe she had successfully completed the difficult move.

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As we prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, which will begin July 23 after being delayed a year due to the pandemic, let's consider other things Biles can do that most of us cannot.

Catch The Attention Of LeBron James

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After FloGymnastics shared a video of Biles practicing the Yurchenko double pike during practice on Friday, SportsCenter re-tweeted the video with the caption "NEXT LEVEL."

Then, four-time NBA champion and MVP LeBron James — widely accepted as one of the greatest NBA players of all time — shared the video with his nearly 50 million Twitter followers.

Wear A Goat As The GOAT

Biles' white leotard that she wore during the U.S. Classic Saturday featured a rhinestone goat on the back, a nod to her status as the Greatest of All Time.

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Perform Skills That Are Named After Us

During the U.S. Classic floor routine, Biles performed two moves that are named after her: a triple twisted double somersault and a double layout with a half turn.

Have Michelle Obama Be Your Personal Cheerleader

Following her Yurchenko double pike vault on Saturday, former first lady Michelle Obama tweeted the video of Biles' performance, writing "Keep shining – we're rooting for you!"

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