The name Dipa Karmakar is now known to all Indians. She scripted history by becoming the first Indian to have cleared the cut for the individual vault finals in Olympics. But what sets her apart as a special star on the world arena is the 'Produnova.'
What is the Produnova?
Produnova is a rare gymnastic vault which is considered one of the most difficult in the sport. It is a front-handspring that is followed by two front sommersaults. Just like the Fosbury Flop in high jump which is an eponymous move, the Produnova got its name from the legendary Russian gymnast Yelena Produnova who was the first woman to perform the vault in 1999.
How difficult is the Produnova?
Produnova is an incredibly dangerous vault and has a difficulty rating of 7.0 D-score — among the highest. It is so difficult that till date only five persons, including Dipa Karmakar, have successfully attempted the vault.
Why is it called the death vault?
Voices from several quarters related to the sport have raised concern over allowing such dangerous vaults which put the life of the performer at risk. One such controversy erupted after Egyptian gymnast Fadwa Mahmound nearly landed on her neck during her first attempt at the Produnova. However, Mahmound went on to do the vault successfully later.
The Rio Olympics has already recorded an ugly injury when French gymnast Samir Ait Said crash-landed, fracturing his leg.
Dipa has admitted in the past that "it is risky, I know. But to win something, I always knew I had to take a risk."
The Wall Street Journal quoted American sports scientist William Sands, who evaluated the impact of such vaults on men, as saying that gymnasts performing such acts have a high likelihood of landing on their butts or backs rather than their feet.
Socio-economic reasons
Dipa's success in reaching the olympics was possible because of the Produnova and the high score that performing it renders. According to the present rules, even if a gymnast barely pulls off a Pradunova landing, she could get an edge over most competitors. Gymnasts from countries which score well enough in other events do not need to take such gambles with vaults.
Before the Rio Olympics, only a few have attempted the Produnova in competitions, but for gymnasts like Dipa it paves a way, even if dangerous, to the medal platform.
A NO for US gymnasts
Simone Biles, part of the US team for Rio said, "I am not trying to die," to the New Yorker with reference to the Produnova. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Produnova is largely dismissed by US gymnasts, who typically score well enough in other events that they don’t need to take such gambles.