Vault (Gymnastics)

In this alternate timeline of gymnastics, the vault event has emerged as the most prestigious, technically demanding, and highest-scoring discipline. While still involving launching one's body over an apparatus, the modern vault bears little resemblance to the relatively simple vaulting techniques of the past.

History and Evolution

Vaulting, the act of hurtling one's body over an obstacle, has been a part of gymnastics since its origins in the late 18th century. However, the vault event as it is recognized today really began to take shape in the mid-20th century.

As gymnastics equipment and technique advanced, the traditional low vaulting "horse" was gradually replaced by a higher, more springy platform. This allowed gymnasts to generate greater height and velocity off the vault, opening the door for more complex aerial skills.

By the 1970s, top gymnasts were incorporating multiple flips and twists into their vault routines, completely transforming the event from a simple hurdle to a showcase of power, height, and technical mastery. Deductions were also introduced for factors like form, execution, and consistency - making vault the most technically judged discipline.

This trend has only accelerated in recent decades, with vault becoming the most prestigious and highest-scoring event in gymnastics. The modern vault apparatus is a tall, springy platform that allows gymnasts to reach dizzying heights and complete astonishing aerial maneuvers.

The Modern Vault Routine

A typical elite-level vault routine in this timeline might feature:

• A powerful run-up to the vault platform, building momentum
• An explosive takeoff, thrusting the gymnast up to nearly 15 feet (4.5 m) in the air
• Multiple flips (such as double or triple layouts) with precise twisting techniques
• A stuck landing, with the gymnast absorbing the impact and holding a steady pose

Gymnasts must demonstrate incredible upper body strength, core stability, spatial awareness, and fearlessness to complete these gravity-defying feats. The slightest error in form, technique, or consistency can result in major deductions from the judges.

Key Vault Skills

Some of the most difficult and important vault skills include:

• Layout Vault: A straight body flight with no twists or tucking
• Tsukahara Vault: A roundoff onto the vault platform, followed by a backward salto
• Produnova Vault: An extremely dangerous and high-risk vault with a front handspring and double front somersault
• Amanar Vault: A vaulting skill with a round-off, back handspring, and 2.5 twisting salto

Mastering the proper body positioning, acceleration, and landing techniques for these complex skills is the primary focus for elite vault specialists.

Scoring and Judging

As the most technically demanding event, vault is also the most rigorously judged in gymnastics. Scores are based on the gymnast's execution, form, and consistency - with deductions for any errors or imperfections.

Factors like the height reached, rotation speed, and landing control are all meticulously evaluated. The most prestigious vaults, like the Produnova, can be worth over 6.0 points in difficulty alone.

Vault Superstars

The most celebrated gymnasts in this alternate timeline are often vault specialists who have pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible.

Notable vault virtuosos include Simone Biles, who became the first gymnast to land a triple-twisting double layout vault in competition; Kohei Uchimura, renowned for his impeccable form and stuck landings; and Oksana Chusovitina, who competed in a record-setting 8 Olympic Games spanning four decades.

Vaulting prowess is seen as the ultimate test of a gymnast's skill, courage, and athleticism - making the vault event the marquee attraction of the sport.