Ilia Malinin’s Groundbreaking Backflip: A Tribute to Surya Bonaly

In an electrifying display of talent, figure skater Ilia Malinin captivated audiences with a jaw-dropping backflip during his short program at the ongoing competition in Cortina. The 21-year-old secured first place and is anticipated to clinch the gold medal when the men’s long program unfolds on Friday.

The Inspiring Legacy of Surya Bonaly

While Malinin has rightfully garnered acclaim for his daring move, it’s essential to recognize that he is not the first Olympian to land a backflip on ice. This distinction belongs to Surya Bonaly, the former French figure skating champion. She made headlines during the 1998 Nagano Olympics when she executed the audacious backflip, a maneuver previously banned due to safety concerns.

A Bold Statement Amid Injury

Bonaly’s backflip was a powerful statement made during a challenging time. Battling an injury and already out of the medal race, she chose to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

• The Crowd’s Reaction: The arena erupted in cheers, but the judges imposed deductions, reflecting the contentious nature of her performance.
• Bonaly’s Reflection: In an exclusive interview with The Post, she stated, “I’m not crazy, but I was called untethered and now it’s OK. It’s hard to be the pioneer; I guess I would rather be the first than one of the thousands after.”

Breaking Barriers in Figure Skating

Bonaly’s career has been marked by her defiance against the traditional image of figure skating. As a powerful and athletic skater of color, she often found herself at odds with the sport’s standards.

• Historical Context: At the 1992 Olympics, Bonaly attempted to land the first quadruple jump by a woman in competition but was controversially denied the opportunity by judges.
• Her Struggle: “It was a challenge of being the best and better than the champion, who was white,” she reflected in 2022, revealing her struggles in a sport striving for a delicate aesthetic.

The Evolution of the Sport

At 52, Bonaly now coaches in Minnesota and is thrilled to see her groundbreaking maneuver gaining recognition in modern figure skating.

• Changing Standards: “Sports is all about moving forward, step by step, to push boundaries, and I did it years ago,” she remarked.
• Diverse Representation: Bonaly pointed out that the landscape has transformed significantly: “Thirty years ago, there were fewer people of color, and many restrictions in artistic expression. Thank god for today’s changes.”

A Woman of Many Firsts

Bonaly’s career was filled with landmark moments, including her controversial refusal to wear a silver medal at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships, which she felt was unjustly awarded to Japan’s Yuka Sato. This incident spotlighted the ongoing struggle for recognition in a field dominated by biases.

The Modern Era of Figure Skating

As figure skating has evolved, so has the complexity of its technical requirements. Malinin stands as a testament to this progression, being the only skater to successfully land the quadruple axel, a remarkable achievement that once seemed unattainable.

Conclusion: Honoring the Past While Shaping the Future

As Malinin prepares for the final event, it’s impossible to overlook the pivotal role Bonaly played in paving the way for daring maneuvers like the backflip.

• A Call for Recognition: Bonaly expressed a hope that Malinin’s performance brings acknowledgment to her pioneering spirit: “I wouldn’t mind if I got a bit of a shout-out if he does another backflip.”

This intriguing blend of past and present in figure skating serves not only as an inspiration but also as a testament to the sport’s ongoing evolution.

For more insights into figure skating’s rich history and future, check out The Olympics and U.S. Figure Skating.