The Incredible Physics of Simone Biles’ Yurchenko Double Pike

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, recently wowed the world with her incredible Yurchenko Double Pike at the U.S. Classic competition. This move is not only breathtaking to watch, but it also showcases the incredible physics behind Biles’ athleticism.

The Yurchenko Double Pike is a vault that starts with a round-off back handspring onto the springboard, followed by a backflip with two full twists in a piked position before landing on the mat. This move requires immense speed, power, and precision, as Biles needs to generate enough force to rotate twice while maintaining a tight pike position.

One of the key principles of physics at play in this move is angular momentum, which is the rotational equivalent of linear momentum. As Biles pushes off the springboard and tucks into a pike position, she decreases her moment of inertia, allowing her to rotate faster while conserving her angular momentum.

Additionally, Biles utilizes the conservation of energy to execute the Yurchenko Double Pike flawlessly. By converting her kinetic energy into rotational energy, she is able to maximize her spin while minimizing air resistance and friction.

The Yurchenko Double Pike also demonstrates the concept of center of mass, as Biles must maintain a balanced distribution of her body weight throughout the entire rotation in order to land safely. This requires incredible strength and body control, as any deviation from her center of mass could result in a missed landing or injury.

Overall, Simone Biles’ Yurchenko Double Pike is a testament to the incredible physics involved in gymnastics and the extraordinary skills of one of the greatest athletes of all time.