Simone Biles Just Destroyed Her Competition: This Will Change Everything

When you’re on the world stage, with the whole world watching, everything can change in a split second. For Simone Biles, this reality hit hard during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she experienced a moment that shook not just her but the entire sports world.

Known as the greatest gymnast of all time, Biles faced a daunting challenge when she lost her sense of direction mid-air during an attempt at the incredibly difficult Amanar Vault. This unexpected incident led to her withdrawal from several events, thrusting the conversation about mental health and sports into the global spotlight.

Fast forward three years, and the excitement is palpable as Simone Biles prepares to make her return to the Olympic arena in Paris 2024. Fans and fellow athletes alike are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see if the gymnastics legend can reclaim her throne. Biles isn’t just another athlete; she’s an icon, and her comeback is shaping up to be the story everyone needs right now.

The atmosphere at the Bercy Arena during her podium training was electric. This wasn’t just another day at the gym; it was the return of Simone Biles.

The audience, coaches, and competitors alike could feel the buzz as Biles approached the vault runway. With precision and grace, she executed a double pike vault that left no doubt—she was back. It was a moment of pure brilliance, a reminder of why she’s considered the greatest of all time (GOAT).

One of her coaches, Cecile Landi, couldn’t contain her excitement, exclaiming, “Perfect! We’ll take this one in a heartbeat. It was really good.” The joy and relief in her voice said it all—this was not just a significant moment for Biles, but for the entire gymnastics community.

To understand the magnitude of Biles’ achievement, one must appreciate the difficulty of the vault she performed. The Biles 2, also known as the Yurchenko double pike, is one of the most challenging vaults in gymnastics.

It involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vault table, and two straight back somersaults with a piked body position.

The difficulty is so high that no other female gymnast dares to attempt it—it’s typically seen only in men’s gymnastics. After experiencing a mental block in Tokyo, Biles strategically chose to bring back this vault to rebuild her confidence, reflecting her resilience and determination.

Her flawless execution during the Paris podium training was a perfect blend of power, grace, and impeccable technique, showcasing her unbreakable spirit and unparalleled talent. This performance marked not just her return, but a statement that she is better than ever.

Simone Biles’ journey to overcome the mental challenges she faced in Tokyo is nothing short of inspiring. In Tokyo, she experienced a condition known as the twisties—a phenomenon where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness while in the air.

It’s a terrifying experience, making even the most routine flips and twists unpredictable and dangerous. For Biles, who has spent her career defying gravity with incredible precision, the twisties were a major setback.

To overcome this, Biles took time off from the sport, prioritizing her mental health—a brave and important decision. Her comeback involved not just physical training, but also mental conditioning.

She worked closely with sports psychologists to regain her confidence in twisting elements, which had been the most affected by the twisties. Her training regimen was carefully planned, starting with basic skills and gradually increasing in complexity. It wasn’t just about getting her body back in shape; it was about rebuilding her mental resilience.

The relationship Biles has with her coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, played a crucial role in her recovery. They provided unwavering support, understanding her fears and helping her navigate through them.

Their patient and encouraging approach allowed Biles to set the pace, creating a supportive environment that was key to her regaining her footing, both literally and figuratively. This strong bond is a testament to the importance of trust and communication in overcoming challenges and emerging stronger.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Simone Biles’ gymnastics is her impeccable form. When she performs a vault like the Biles 2, it’s not just about the complexity of the skill—it’s about how flawlessly she executes it. Biles is known for her powerful take-offs, precise mid-air positions, and solid landings.

Her legs are always perfectly straight, toes pointed, and her body alignment impeccable, even in the most challenging maneuvers. In gymnastics, where tiny details can make a big difference, Biles’ form sets her apart.

When Biles performs the Biles 2, she doesn’t just complete the vault—she nails it with a level of finesse that few can match. Her ability to maintain such high standards of form and technique, even in the most difficult skills, is what makes her a standout. Judges in gymnastics are meticulous, and deductions can be made for even the smallest mistakes, like a slight bend in the knees or a hop on landing.

Biles’ near-perfect form minimizes these deductions, often giving her a scoring edge over her competitors. Her execution scores are consistently high, reflecting her dedication to perfecting every aspect of her routines. It’s this attention to detail and commitment to excellence that keeps her at the top of the sport.

The Amanar Vault, also known as the Yurchenko 2.5, is a legendary skill in gymnastics, popularized by Romanian gymnast Simona Amanar. This vault involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vault table, followed by two and a half twists before landing. It was a game-changer in women’s gymnastics, setting a new standard for difficulty and power.

However, over the years, the difficulty and risk associated with the Amanar led to fewer gymnasts attempting it, especially after the International Gymnastics Federation lowered its difficulty score.

Recently, we’ve seen a resurgence in the Amanar, with British gymnasts like Alice Kinsella and Ruby Evans bringing it back into the spotlight. Their attempts at the Paris Arena showed the vault’s enduring appeal and the ongoing challenge it presents. However, it’s Simone Biles who has been pivotal in keeping the tradition of difficult vaults alive. By mastering and introducing even more challenging skills like the Biles 2, she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.

Biles’ influence on gymnastics extends beyond her incredible skill level. She’s inspired a new generation of gymnasts to strive for excellence, showing that the sport is as much about innovation as it is about execution.

Her commitment to performing difficult skills with perfect form has set a new benchmark, challenging others to elevate their game. The legacy of the Amanar Vault and now the Biles 2 is a testament to her impact on gymnastics, ensuring that the sport continues to evolve and thrill audiences around the world.

Simone Biles is not just the heartbeat of Team USA’s gymnastics squad; she’s the force driving the sport forward, pushing the limits of what’s possible, and inspiring athletes and fans alike. Her return to the Olympic stage isn’t just about reclaiming her throne—it’s about redefining what it means to be the greatest of all time.