Gravity? Never Heard of It! The Science Behind Simone Biles’ Insane Moves
Simone Biles continues to redefine the limits of human athleticism, executing gravity-defying moves that leave even physicists in awe.
Her astonishing aerial skills are a result of an extraordinary combination of strength, speed, and technique, rooted in physics principles like angular momentum, rotational inertia, and force.
When she launches into the air, she generates powerful torque through explosive push-offs, maximizing the conservation of angular momentum to achieve rapid spins and flips.
By tucking her body tightly, she reduces rotational inertia, increasing her rotation speed, then strategically extends her limbs to slow down for precise landings.
The biomechanics of her movements allow her to manipulate gravity in ways that seem almost superhuman, leveraging her core strength and impeccable spatial awareness to execute complex maneuvers with precision.
Her Yurchenko double pike, a vault so difficult that no other female gymnast has performed it in competition, is a prime example of her ability to generate the necessary vertical force while maintaining body control mid-air.
Additionally, her ability to spot the ground while twisting at high speeds ensures near-perfect landings, a feat requiring immense neurological coordination and split-second adjustments.
Despite the seemingly impossible nature of her skills, every motion is a calculated application of physics and biomechanics, honed through years of training.