Simone Biles’ Vault of Fear: The Nerve-Wracking Moment She Faced After Rio Olympics
After the dazzling triumph at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone Biles seemed unstoppable. With four gold medals and a bronze, she had cemented her place as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. But even champions face fear.
In a candid interview, Biles revealed a moment of vulnerability that caught many by surprise. Despite her dominance, the thought of attempting a new vault routine left her trembling. It was during a practice session when her coach, Laurent Landi, pushed her to perform a daring move.
“I’m terrified,” Biles recalled, her heart pounding as she stood at the start of the runway. The fear was palpable, but Landi wasn’t having any of it. “Did you not hear me?” he asked, urging her to push past the mental block.
The vault in question wasn’t just any routine—it was the Yurchenko double pike, an incredibly difficult move that few had even attempted in competition. Biles knew the risks but also understood that greatness often lies on the other side of fear.
“I trust my coach, but at that moment, I felt like everything could go wrong,” she said. Still, with the eyes of her team on her and Landi’s unwavering confidence, Biles took a deep breath, sprinted forward, and executed the vault that would later become one of her signature moves.
Looking back, Biles acknowledged the importance of that moment. “It taught me that fear doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It means you’re about to do something incredible.”
Simone Biles’ journey continues to inspire, proving that even the most decorated athletes face moments of doubt—but it’s their courage to confront it that defines their legacy.
