Ilia Malinin’s Backflip: A Revolution in Figure Skating?
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan witnessed a historic moment: Ilia Malinin successfully landed a backflip during the figure skating team event. This wasn’t just a spectacular athletic feat; it signaled a potential turning point for the sport, bringing back a move banned for nearly half a century. The International Skating Union (ISU) prohibited the backflip in 1977, deeming it too dangerous. However, rule changes in 2024-2025 paved the way for its return to ISU competitions, and Malinin seized the opportunity.
A History of Risk and Rebellion
Terry Kubicka of the United States first performed a legal Olympic backflip at the 1976 Innsbruck Games. Following the ban, the move largely disappeared from competitive skating, becoming a symbol of risk and pushing boundaries. French skater Surya Bonaly famously attempted a backflip at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, landing it on one blade despite knowing she would receive a deduction. Her defiant act became an iconic moment, showcasing the artistry and courage within the sport.
More recently, Canadian skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek successfully executed the backflip in competition, but not at the Olympic level. Malinin’s performance marks the first legal Olympic backflip in 50 years, reigniting the debate about risk versus reward in figure skating.
The “Quad God” and the Future of Technique
Malinin, nicknamed the “Quad God” for his mastery of quadruple jumps, captivated the audience with his performance. While his score of 98.00 placed him second in the men’s short program behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (108.67 points), the impact of the backflip extended beyond the scoring. The crowd’s enthusiastic reaction demonstrated a clear appetite for innovative and daring routines.
The reintroduction of the backflip raises questions about the evolution of figure skating technique. Will other skaters attempt this challenging move? Will it develop into a standard element in high-level programs? The ISU’s decision to legalize the backflip suggests a willingness to embrace greater athleticism and creativity within the sport.
Beyond the Backflip: A Broader Trend
Malinin’s backflip isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader trend toward pushing the limits of what’s possible in figure skating. Skaters are consistently attempting more tricky jumps and combinations, demanding greater strength, precision, and courage. This evolution is driven by both the athletes’ desire to excel and the audience’s demand for spectacular performances.
The sport’s governing bodies are also adapting, continually refining the judging system to reward both technical difficulty and artistic expression. The legalization of the backflip is a testament to this ongoing process of innovation and adaptation.
FAQ
Is the backflip now a required element in figure skating?
No, the backflip is not a required element. Skaters can choose whether or not to include it in their programs.
Was Surya Bonaly penalized for her backflip in 1998?
Yes, Surya Bonaly received a deduction for performing a banned move, despite successfully landing the backflip on one blade.
When did the ISU first ban the backflip?
The ISU banned the backflip in 1977, shortly after Terry Kubicka’s performance at the 1976 Olympics.
Who is Ilia Malinin?
Ilia Malinin is an American figure skater known for his mastery of quadruple jumps and for being the first to legally land a backflip at the Winter Olympics.
Seek to learn more about the 2026 Winter Olympics? Read more about Malinin’s historic performance here.
