Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike

Simone Biles has bid farewell to her signature vaulting move, the Yurchenko double pike, with a mock funeral on social media. The move, which earned Biles numerous gold medals and became a symbol of her unparalleled skill, will be forever etched in the annals of gymnastics.

Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast, has announced her retirement from her iconic vaulting move, the Yurchenko double pike. The move, which involves a backflip onto the vaulting table followed by a double backflip with a full twist, was widely considered to be Biles' signature skill and contributed to her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike

In a post on Instagram, Biles shared two photos depicting a mock funeral for the move. The photos showed Biles dressed in white, lying on top of a vaulting table adorned with flowers. In the caption, she wrote, "Rest in peace Yurchenko double pike."

The Yurchenko double pike was a mainstay in Biles' repertoire. She performed the move regularly in competition, earning some of the highest scores of her career. Despite suffering a calf injury at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles still managed to perform the double pike, showcasing her incredible skill and determination.

Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike

At the Paris Games, Biles won three gold medals and a silver medal, adding to her already impressive collection. Notably, she successfully defended her Olympic title in the vault event, which she had previously won in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021.

Biles first landed the Yurchenko double pike in May 2021, becoming the first woman to complete the move. The move was so extraordinary that it was renamed the "Biles II" in October 2023.

Simone Biles Bids Farewell to Iconic Yurchenko Double Pike

Biles' retirement from the Yurchenko double pike comes as she prepares for the next chapter in her career. She is currently on a gold medal tour and is expected to continue exploring new challenges in gymnastics and beyond.

Despite retiring the Yurchenko double pike, Biles' legacy will forever be intertwined with the move. It will be remembered as one of the defining moments of her remarkable career, a testament to her incredible talent, innovation, and determination.