/https://i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8/internal_photos/bs/2026/r/v/GdBBHaTT2Tah36wM80lw/captura-de-tela-2026-02-22-101326.png)
The Backflip’s Olympic Journey: From Banned Maneuver to a Symbol of Freedom
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina marked a historic moment in figure skating: the return of the backflip after a 50-year ban. This wasn’t just a technical feat; it was a symbolic shift, representing a growing embrace of athleticism and artistry in a sport often defined by tradition.
A History of Restriction
The backflip first appeared in Olympic competition in 1976, performed by American skater Terry Kubicka at the Innsbruck Games. While not explicitly prohibited at the time, the International Skating Union (ISU) soon banned the move due to safety concerns and technical considerations. The landing, traditionally done with both feet, conflicted with the requirement for a single-foot landing for valid jumps.
Surya Bonaly’s Defiant Act
Despite the ban, the backflip didn’t disappear entirely. French skater Surya Bonaly famously challenged the rule in the 1990s. A former gymnast, Bonaly incorporated the powerful jump into her routines, even performing it at the 1998 Nagano Olympics despite knowing it would result in point deductions. Her single-foot landing was a powerful statement, transforming the forbidden move into an iconic moment of artistic expression and personal defiance.
The Rule Change and Ilia Malinin’s Impact
In 2024, the ISU removed the backflip from its list of prohibited elements. While it doesn’t carry a specific technical value, skaters are no longer penalized for attempting it. This change paved the way for American skater Ilia Malinin to showcase the backflip at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Malinin’s inclusion of the backflip in both the short program and team event captivated audiences. Although his initial landing was with two feet, he later successfully landed it on one foot, generating a tremendous reaction from the crowd. His performance underscored the move’s potential to add both artistic flair and technical difficulty to routines.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Figure Skating?
The reintroduction of the backflip signals a broader trend towards embracing innovation and athleticism in figure skating. For decades, the sport has been carefully balanced between artistic interpretation and technical precision. The ISU’s decision suggests a willingness to prioritize skater expression and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Potential Future Trends
Increased Emphasis on Athleticism
We can expect to see skaters increasingly incorporate elements from other disciplines, like gymnastics and parkour, into their routines. This could lead to the development of entirely new jumps and spins, further blurring the lines between artistry, and athleticism.
Rule Evolution and Skater Freedom
The ISU’s recent rule change regarding the backflip could be a precursor to a more comprehensive review of the judging system. A greater emphasis on rewarding creativity and risk-taking could encourage skaters to experiment with new moves and push the boundaries of the sport.
The Rise of Specialized Training
As the technical demands of figure skating increase, we may see skaters specializing in specific areas, such as jump technique or artistry. This could lead to the development of specialized training programs and coaching methodologies.
Impact on Judging and Scoring
The ISU will likely demand to refine its scoring system to adequately evaluate the difficulty and artistry of new moves like the backflip. This could involve assigning specific base values to certain elements or developing new criteria for assessing overall performance.
FAQ
Was the backflip always illegal in figure skating? No, it wasn’t explicitly illegal until the ISU banned it in 1977.
Why did Surya Bonaly perform the backflip despite the ban? She wanted to express her artistry and challenge the restrictions imposed by the ISU.
Does the backflip have a specific point value in competition? Currently, no. It doesn’t receive a specific base value, but skaters are no longer penalized for performing it.
Who was the first to perform a backflip at the Olympics? Terry Kubicka performed the first Olympic backflip in 1976.
What prompted the ISU to lift the ban on the backflip? A desire to encourage innovation and allow skaters more freedom of expression.
Did you know? Surya Bonaly’s 1998 backflip, despite receiving a deduction, remains one of the most celebrated moments in Olympic figure skating history.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Ilia Malinin – he’s likely to be at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of figure skating with innovative moves like the backflip.
Seek to learn more about the evolution of figure skating? Explore our articles on the history of Olympic figure skating and the impact of technology on the sport.
