The Backflip Revolution: From Banned Maneuver to Olympic Triumph
For nearly half a century, the backflip was considered too dangerous, too radical, for the polished world of Olympic figure skating. But at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, Ilia Malinin shattered that perception, landing the first legal backflip in Olympic competition since 1976. This wasn’t just a jump; it was a symbolic moment, marking a shift in the sport’s boundaries and a triumph for innovation.
A History of Restriction: The 47-Year Ban
The story begins with Terry Kubicka, an American skater who first successfully executed a backflip at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Despite the impressive feat, the International Skating Union (ISU) deemed the move too risky and banned it the following year. Kubicka’s performance remained a historical anomaly – the only legal Olympic backflip for decades. The ban persisted, with skaters like France’s Surya Bonaly attempting the jump in later Games (1998), knowing full well they would incur penalty points. Her defiant act became an iconic moment, a protest against the restrictions.
The Rule Change and a New Generation
The tide began to turn in 2024, when the ISU revised its rules, allowing backflips in competition. This decision acknowledged the evolution of skating techniques and the increasing athleticism of modern skaters. French skater Adam Siao Him Fa was among the first to legally perform the jump in major competitions, earning a medal but still facing point deductions. The stage was then set for Malinin’s groundbreaking performance in Milan.
Malinin’s Moment and the Crowd’s Reaction
Malinin’s backflip during the men’s short program team event ignited the crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The roar of the audience, as described by Malinin himself, was a powerful testament to the excitement surrounding the move. While his performance earned a score of 98.00 – second to Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (108.67) – the impact extended far beyond the score. He later showcased the jump again, this time with a landing on one foot, further demonstrating his mastery.
Beyond the Individual: Pairs Skating and the Future
The backflip isn’t limited to individual performances. The Canadian pair, Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, have become the first pair in history to successfully land a backflip with assistance, signaling a potential expansion of the move into pairs skating. This opens up exciting possibilities for choreography and technical difficulty in the discipline.
The Impact on the Sport
The legalization of the backflip and its successful execution at the Olympics represent a broader trend in figure skating: a willingness to embrace innovation and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The ISU’s decision to lift the ban reflects a recognition that the sport must evolve to remain captivating and competitive.
FAQ
- When was the backflip banned in figure skating? The ISU banned the backflip in 1977.
- Who was the first to land a legal backflip at the Olympics? Terry Kubicka landed the first legal backflip at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics.
- When did the ISU allow backflips again? The ISU legalized the backflip in 2024.
- Who landed the first backflip at the Olympics after the ban was lifted? Ilia Malinin landed the first backflip at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The backflip’s journey from a forbidden maneuver to an Olympic highlight is a compelling narrative of risk, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence. As skaters continue to push the limits of the sport, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking moments in the years to come.
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