WATCH: Simone Biles lands an incredible Yurchenko Double Pike on vault during the Paris Olympics all-around finals

Modified Aug 01, 2024 17:51 GMT

Simone Biles has gotten her campaign in the all-around finals of the Paris Olympics off to a strong start, competing in her signature event, the vault. The American was nearly flawless, soaring through the air and posting a 15.766, by far the highest score on vault in the first rotation.

Biles comes into this competition searching for redemption, after the Tokyo Games where her mental health issues forced her to pull out of almost all the finals she had qualified for. The 27-year-old already reclaimed some glory earlier in Paris, as she led the US women’s team to the team gold.

Now, the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all-time is looking to add yet another all-around title to her collection. On Thursday, August 1, Simone Biles took to the vault for her first rotation of the all-around finals, performing her signature Yurchenko double pike, also known as the Biles II.

Biles landed her vault successfully, but a major hop when she touched the floor led to a deduction. Nevertheless, the gymnast scored a 6.4 difficulty and 9.366 for execution, walking away with a total score of 15.766.

Here is a video of the American performing the most difficult vault in women gymnastics:

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While impressive, Simone Biles’ score of 15.766 on the vault was just a shade smaller than the 15.800 that she had posted in the event during qualifying earlier this week. However, it was still the best vault score of the first rotation, with her closest competitor being Rebecca Andrade with her 15.100. The American's 15.766 was also the best overall score of the first rotation.

Simone Biles' upcoming events at the Paris Olympics

Once she gets done with the all-around finals at the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles will still have plenty of action lined up for her at the Summer Games. In the qualification round, the 27-year-old posted scores of 15.800, 14.733, and 14.600 on the vault, balance beam, and floor, qualifying for the individual finals in all three apparatuses.

On the uneven bars, Biles' score of 14.433 placed her ninth in the qualification standings, just outside of the top eight who will compete in the finals.

Now, after the all-around finals, the American will be back at the Bercy Arena on August 3 for the vault finals. After a day of rest, Biles will compete in the beam finals on August 5.