The Evolution of the Backflip in Figure Skating
Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater from Virginia known as the “Quad God,” made history at the Olympics by becoming the first person to legally land a backflip on one skate. This move, now famously known as “the Bonaly flip,” was originally performed by Surya Bonaly, a French athlete who defied the rules and executed the maneuver during the 1998 Nagano Games.
Malinin’s performance on Monday was a crucial part of the American team’s victory, featuring his signature quadruple jumps and culminating in a dramatic backflip that earned him widespread praise. However, many have pointed out that while Malinin is celebrated for his athleticism, Bonaly, who is Black, faced criticism during her career. This has led to discussions about whether the recognition of Malinin’s achievement overshadows the contributions of Bonaly, potentially due to racial bias.
Ari Lu, a 49-year-old Black woman on TikTok, expressed that the figure skating world owes an apology to Bonaly. She noted that while Malinin is praised for his skills, Bonaly was judged based on her appearance rather than her abilities. Lu highlighted that what was once derided in Bonaly is now celebrated when done by a white athlete.
The backflip was first performed by Terry Kubicka, a former US champion, at the 1976 Olympics. He landed on two skates, but the International Skating Union (ISU) banned the move, considering it too dangerous. Over 20 years later, Bonaly defied the rules and executed the backflip on a single blade, marking the end of her professional career. The crowd cheered, and a television commentator remarked, “I think she’s done that because she wants to, because it’s not allowed. So good on her.”
Bonaly knew the move would cost her points, but she did it anyway. Her act became a symbol of her legacy as a Black athlete in a sport that historically lacked diversity. For decades, her move could only be seen in exhibitions until the ISU lifted the ban in 2021 to make the sport more exciting for younger fans.
Malinin, known for his high-flying jumps, soon incorporated the backflip into his competitive routines. On Monday, it was part of a gold medal-winning free skate. Bonaly, however, ended her professional career with a 10th place finish. Some argue that the contrast between her punishment and Malinin’s praise highlights a double standard in figure skating.
In a telephone interview, Bonaly told the Associated Press that it was great to see someone perform the backflip on Olympic ice, as skating needs to evolve. Regarding the criticism she faced, she said she was “born too early,” arriving at a time when people weren’t open to seeing something different.
“I broke ice for other skaters,” Bonaly said. “Now everything is different. People welcome anyone as long as they are good, and that is what life is about.”
Before Bonaly, Mabel Fairbanks had her Olympic dreams dashed by racist exclusion from US Figure Skating in the 1930s. Debi Thomas, the first African American to win a medal at the Winter Olympics, also paved the way for more representation in the sport.
Despite these strides, there are still few professional Black figure skaters, and none are competing for the US this year. Starr Andrews, a popular skater, failed to make the team, finishing seventh at nationals. The team includes five Asian American skaters and Amber Glenn, an openly vocal LGBTQ+ supporter.
Glenn, a three-time and reigning US champion, said she finds backflips fun and plans to learn them after retiring. However, she admitted the thought of practicing them during training scares her.
Both the ISU and the International Olympic Committee have begun to embrace Bonaly’s backflip, often posting it on social media alongside her account. One post from May reads, “Backflips on ice? No problem for figure skating icon Surya Bonaly!” Another from November 2024 states, “Surya Bonaly’s backflip has been a topic of discussion, awe, and admiration for over two decades and continues to inspire young skaters to never give up on their dreams.”
