The recent celebration of Ilia Malinin’s historic backflip at the Olympics has reignited debate over recognition in figure skating, highlighting a stark contrast between how innovation is received depending on the athlete’s race. Malinin, dubbed the “Quad God,” landed the move cleanly, earning widespread praise – yet his achievement echoes a groundbreaking feat performed decades earlier by France’s Surya Bonaly, who was penalized for the same stunt when it was illegal.
The Bonaly Flip: A Move Ahead of Its Time
Surya Bonaly executed the first single-blade backflip at the 1998 Nagano Games, deliberately defying a ban imposed by the International Skating Union (ISU) due to perceived safety concerns. The crowd erupted, but judges docked her points, effectively punishing her for challenging the status quo. The move was considered dangerous, but Bonaly defied the rules anyway, marking her last professional performance with an act of defiance that cemented her legacy as a pioneer in a historically homogenous sport.
Bonaly herself acknowledged the timing of her career, stating she was “born too early” into a figure skating world unprepared for disruptive change. She emphasized that she “broke ice for other skaters”, paving the way for future generations to push boundaries without the same consequences.
From Ban to Celebration: A Shifting Landscape
For over two decades, Bonaly’s backflip remained confined to exhibition performances. The ISU lifted the ban in 2022, seeking to inject excitement into the sport and attract younger audiences. Malinin was quick to incorporate the move into his competitive routines, culminating in his gold medal-winning performance where the backflip was celebrated as a symbol of athleticism and innovation.
The stark difference in reception raises questions about systemic bias. Social media users and commentators alike have pointed out that what Bonaly faced as scrutiny is now lauded when performed by a white athlete, suggesting a lingering double standard within figure skating.
A Double Standard Exposed?
The case underscores a historical pattern where innovations by athletes of color are often dismissed or penalized before being embraced when replicated by white athletes. This disparity isn’t new; Bonaly herself experienced critiques of her appearance rather than her skill during her career, fueling speculation that race played a role in the initial condemnation of her backflip.
Bonaly expressed positivity toward Malinin’s success, stating that skating “needs to be taken to an upper level.” However, the underlying issue remains: the delayed recognition of a trailblazing athlete who faced consequences for pushing boundaries, while her successor reaps the rewards in a more inclusive environment.
The shift from punishment to praise suggests progress, but it also serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained biases can shape perceptions and legacies in competitive sports.
