Simone Biles has cemented her legacy as a gymnastics icon with her groundbreaking achievements and unparalleled skill. Known for her fearless approach and exceptional talent, she has five moves named after her, showcasing her influence on the sport. Among these, the Yurchenko double pike vault, also known as the Biles II, stands out as the most challenging vault in women’s gymnastics. With a difficulty score of 6.4, the highest ever in the sport, it involves a complex sequence: a round-off on the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and two flips with straight legs. Biles made history as the first woman to land it at the World Championships and later used it to clinch Olympic gold, scoring an impressive 15.300, far surpassing her competition.
Despite her history of pushing limits, there is one move Simone has outright refused to attempt: the Produnova vault, also known as the “Vault of Death.” The move, introduced by Russian gymnast Yelena Produnova in 1999, involves a front handspring followed by two somersaults in the air before landing. The difficulty and danger of the vault are so extreme that even attempting it can earn gymnasts higher scores, but failure can lead to catastrophic injuries, including paralysis or death. When asked about it, Biles candidly stated, “I’m not trying to die,” emphasizing the risks involved.
It’s been 25 years. A quarter-century.
I’m starting to wonder if we’ll ever see another double front vault performed as well as Produnova’s from ’99 Universiade. pic.twitter.com/wWdb4WpQj1
— Pamchenkova (@Pamchenkova) November 28, 2024
The Produnova vault recently gained renewed attention after a video of Produnova’s execution at the 1999 Universiade went viral on social media. Fans debated whether the vault, which only a handful of gymnasts have attempted, should still be pursued. While some believe it remains a thrilling challenge, others understand why even the greatest gymnasts, including Biles, steer clear of it.
In comparison, the Yurchenko double pike is also an incredibly demanding move. Biles remains the only woman to successfully perform it in competition. The skill’s precision requirements leave no room for error; any misstep could result in serious injury. Her mastery of this vault has earned her multiple gold medals and solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the sport.
Another dangerous vault, the Dragulescu, named after Romanian gymnast Marius Dragulescu, involves a front handspring double front half-out. With a difficulty score of 5.6, it remains one of the most difficult vaults in men’s gymnastics, yet no woman has ever attempted it in competition. While fans speculate that Biles could perform it, she has wisely avoided such risks, focusing instead on moves she can execute with confidence and perfection.
The “Vault of Death” has a storied history in gymnastics. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, two gymnasts—Oksana Chusovitina and Dipa Karmakar—attempted the Produnova vault. Chusovitina, competing at age 41, and Karmakar, the first Indian gymnast to reach an Olympic final, both showcased incredible bravery but fell short of perfect execution. Their performances, while remarkable, highlighted the vault’s perilous nature.
Fans have mixed opinions about whether Simone Biles should attempt the Produnova. Some admire her ability and courage, believing she could succeed, while others applaud her decision to prioritize safety and longevity. Biles herself has embraced a measured approach, retiring certain moves like the Yurchenko double pike after achieving monumental success with them. Her decision to avoid the “Vault of Death” underscores her wisdom as an athlete and her focus on pushing boundaries responsibly, setting records, and inspiring future generations of gymnasts.