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The Surya Bonaly backflip remains one of the most unforgettable and controversial moments in Olympic figure skating history. Nearly three decades after she executed the gravity-defying move at the Winter Games, French skating icon Surya Bonaly is reflecting on her decision to push boundaries — and how the sport has evolved since then.
In a recent interview with CBS News, Bonaly shared her thoughts on the renewed attention surrounding the backflip, especially after American skater Ilia Malinin incorporated the move into his own performances.
The Surya Bonaly Backflip at the 1998 Winter Olympics
The defining moment came during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. At just 24 years old, Bonaly was competing in her third and final Olympic Games. Recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and unlikely to medal, she decided to conclude her routine with something extraordinary.
With seconds remaining in her performance, she launched into a backflip — landing on a single skate. At the time, the move was banned in Olympic competition. Judges penalized her, and she ultimately finished 10th after starting in sixth place.
The backflip had been prohibited since 1977 by the International Skating Union (ISU), which deemed it too dangerous and inconsistent with traditional figure skating principles. The first skater to perform a backflip in competition was Terry Kubicka in 1976, though he landed on both feet.
Bonaly’s single-blade landing made her version unique — and historic.
(Internal link suggestion: “Most Controversial Moments in Olympic History”)
How the Surya Bonaly Backflip Influenced Modern Skating
Decades later, the ISU lifted its ban on backflips, opening the door for skaters like Ilia Malinin to incorporate the move without penalty. Malinin, often nicknamed the “Quad God,” has become known for pushing technical limits in men’s figure skating.
Bonaly told CBS News she was not disappointed to see Malinin celebrated for performing a move that once cost her valuable points.
“Because somebody had to start,” she said. “I was a pioneer.”
She added that being ahead of her time often meant facing criticism and resistance. Still, she believes her performance helped reshape the sport and expand its creative boundaries.
(Internal link suggestion: “Ilia Malinin’s Rise in Team USA Figure Skating”)
Representation and Breaking Barriers
Beyond technical innovation, the Surya Bonaly backflip also symbolizes a broader conversation about representation in figure skating.
Bonaly, one of the few globally recognized Black figure skaters, has spoken about navigating a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Some observers have contrasted the differing reactions to Bonaly’s and Malinin’s backflips, noting shifts in both cultural attitudes and the sport’s evolving standards.
Reflecting on her early years, Bonaly said she had limited role models who looked like her. However, she remembered being inspired by Debi Thomas, who won bronze at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Thomas’ success left a lasting impression on Bonaly, who would go on to claim 10 French national titles, five European championships, and three World Championship silver medals. Although she never secured an Olympic medal, her impact on the sport extended beyond podium finishes.
A Legacy Beyond Medals
Now 52, Bonaly works as a coach at Minnesota’s Shattuck-St. Mary’s Figure Skating Center of Excellence and serves as a motivational speaker. She encourages young athletes to pursue originality and self-expression.
She emphasized that medals do not define an athlete’s worth. Instead, she believes legacy is shaped by courage, authenticity, and the willingness to innovate.
Malinin has expressed a similar mindset, stating that pushing the sport forward matters more than simply winning titles. The shared philosophy underscores how figure skating continues to evolve, blending artistry with increasing technical ambition.
The Enduring Impact of the Surya Bonaly Backflip
The Surya Bonaly backflip remains a defining image in Olympic history — a bold act performed under pressure that challenged conventions. While it once resulted in a points deduction, it is now viewed as a groundbreaking moment that expanded figure skating’s possibilities.
Her decision to attempt the move, despite the risk of penalty, cemented her reputation as one of the sport’s most daring competitors. Years later, as younger skaters attempt similar feats under revised rules, Bonaly’s legacy continues to resonate.
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