Skate Icon’s Trick Unearths Grim Aussie History

Quad God’s Flip: A Leap of Athleticism, But Echoes of a Pioneering Past

The ice rink has witnessed a historic moment. Ilia Malinin, the prodigious US figure skater lauded as the “Quad God,” has etched his name in Olympic history as the first to legally execute a backflip on a single skate during the Games. This breathtaking feat, showcased during a pivotal free skate that helped secure the American team’s gold medal, was a dazzling culmination of his signature quadruple jumps.

However, Malinin’s celebrated achievement has ignited a passionate discussion, drawing parallels to the groundbreaking, yet penalized, performance of French skater Surya Bonaly. Decades ago, Bonaly, a Black athlete, defied the rules to perform the same daring move, a move now affectionately termed “the Bonaly flip” in her honour. Yet, the current wave of adulation for Malinin has led many on social media to question whether Bonaly’s pioneering spirit has been overshadowed, with some suggesting her race may have played a role in the differing receptions.

A Tale of Two Flips: Celebration vs. Condemnation

The contrast in how these two athletes were treated is stark. While Malinin is showered with praise for his athleticism, the narrative surrounding Bonaly’s performance paints a different picture. Ari Lu, a TikTok user and advocate, voiced the sentiment shared by many: the figure skating world owes Bonaly an apology. “Something a Black person used to be derided for is now celebrated when done by a white person,” Lu commented, highlighting the perceived double standard and suggesting that Bonaly’s critiques at the time might have been rooted in her appearance rather than her skill.

The history of the backflip in Olympic figure skating is a complex one. The first recorded instance was by former US champion Terry Kubicka in 1976, who landed on two skates. The International Skating Union (ISU) swiftly banned the move, deeming it too dangerous.

It wasn’t until the 1998 Nagano Games that Surya Bonaly, a trailblazer in her own right, chose to disregard the prohibition. In what would be her final professional performance, she executed a backflip, landing on a single blade. The crowd erupted, and commentators marvelled at her audacity. Bonaly was fully aware that this act of defiance would result in point deductions, but she performed it nonetheless. This courageous act cemented her legacy, particularly for Black athletes in a sport historically lacking diversity.

The ISU’s Evolving Stance and Bonaly’s Legacy

For years, Bonaly’s spectacular flip was relegated to exhibition performances. That changed two years ago when the ISU, in an effort to inject more excitement and appeal to younger audiences, lifted its ban on the backflip. This decision paved the way for skaters like Malinin to incorporate the move into their competitive routines.

The differing receptions of Bonaly and Malinin performing the same manoeuvre have led to accusations of a lingering double standard within the figure skating community. While Bonaly concluded her professional career with a 10th-place finish, Malinin’s backflip has become a celebrated highlight, contributing to an Olympic gold medal.

In a recent interview, Bonaly expressed her pleasure at seeing the backflip performed on the Olympic stage, acknowledging its potential to elevate the sport. Reflecting on the criticism she faced, she mused that she might have been “born too early,” arriving at a time when the sporting world was less open to novelty and diverse expressions. “I broke ice for other skaters,” Bonaly stated, emphasizing her role in paving the way for future athletes. “Now everything is different. People welcome anyone as long as they are good and that is what life is about.”

Paving the Way: A Continuum of Black Excellence in Skating

Bonaly’s courage stands on the shoulders of other Black athletes who faced significant barriers. Mabel Fairbanks, whose Olympic aspirations were thwarted by racial discrimination in the 1930s, and Debi Thomas, the first African American to medal at the Winter Olympics, are crucial figures in the ongoing struggle for representation in figure skating. Their experiences highlight the long and arduous journey towards inclusivity in the sport.

Despite these advancements, the landscape of professional Black figure skaters remains limited. This year’s US team notably lacks Black competitors, with popular skater Starr Andrews narrowly missing qualification. The team does, however, feature several Asian American skaters and Amber Glenn, a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Malinin’s teammate, Amber Glenn, while finding the backflip an intriguing element, expressed personal reservations about attempting it during her competitive career due to the inherent risks. She plans to explore learning the move only after her competitive days are behind her.

Interestingly, both the ISU and the International Olympic Committee appear to have embraced Bonaly’s groundbreaking flip. Social media posts from these organisations have begun to feature her iconic backflip, often tagging her official account. One post from last May declared, “Backflips on ice? No problem for figure skating icon Surya Bonaly!” while another from November 2024 acknowledged, “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.” This belated recognition underscores the enduring impact of Bonaly’s defiance and its continued resonance within the sport.