Ilia Malinin’s Historic Olympic Backflip: A Nod to Surya Bonaly’s Legacy

Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old figure skater from Virginia, has made history by landing a backflip on one skate during the Winter Olympics. Known as the “Quad God,” Malinin’s impressive routine included multiple quadruple jumps, culminating in the breathtaking backflip. This move is colloquially referred to as the “Bonaly flip” in honor of Surya Bonaly, the first skater to execute such a feat.

Historic Achievement by Ilia Malinin

Malinin’s performance was pivotal to the American team’s success, securing them a gold medal at the Winter Games. The significance of his backflip lies not just in its execution but also in its historical context. While Malinin received widespread acclaim, many voices have pointed out that Surya Bonaly, a trailblazer in the sport, has not received equal recognition for her contributions.

Surya Bonaly’s Legacy

Surya Bonaly first performed a backflip at the Olympics in 1998, famously landing on one skate, despite being aware that judges would penalize her for the move. This bravery marked her farewell to competitive skating and showcased the challenges faced by Black athletes in a sport often criticized for its lack of diversity. Bonaly emphasized that she felt misunderstood in her time, stating that she was “born too early” to be appreciated for her innovative style.

Changing Landscape in Figure Skating

The International Skating Union (ISU) lifted the ban on backflips two years ago, aiming to attract a younger audience and enhance the overall excitement of the sport. This policy change has allowed skaters like Malinin to incorporate the backflip into competitive routines, demonstrating the evolving nature of figure skating.

Backflip Ban History

• 1976: Terry Kubicka lands a backflip on two skates at the Olympics, leading to an ISU ban.
• 1998: Surya Bonaly performs her iconic backflip on one skate, challenging the ban.
• 2021: ISU lifts the backflip ban, enabling its return in competitions.

Despite the progress in inclusivity, the figure skating community still faces challenges regarding representation. This year’s Olympic team includes five Asian American skaters, but notably lacks Black representation among competitors.

The Future of Figure Skating

Malinin’s gold medal-winning performance signals a new era in figure skating, where athletes are embracing daring maneuvers. Teammate Amber Glenn mentioned her interest in learning to perform a backflip, showcasing a desire to take risks after her competitive career.

Broader Conversations on Diversity

As national attention focuses on Malinin’s achievement, many are reflecting on the legacy of athletes like Surya Bonaly. The dialogue highlights the disparities in how athletes of different backgrounds are celebrated within the sport. While Malinin’s athleticism is praised, Bonaly’s historic contributions remind us that recognition should be inclusive of all athletes, regardless of race.

Both the ISU and the International Olympic Committee are beginning to embrace Bonaly’s contributions more openly, demonstrating a growing acknowledgment of her impact on the sport. This change could pave the way for increased appreciation and representation in figure skating for future generations.