Figure Skating Legacy Sparks Backlash Over 'Bonaly Flip'
Ilia Malinin's historic backflip at the Olympics has reignited a debate about Surya Bonaly, the trailblazing French skater who pioneered the move decades ago. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Bonaly's legacy seems to be overshadowed by Malinin's athleticism and popularity.
In 1998, Bonaly executed a single blade backflip during her free skate program at the Nagano Olympics, defying the International Skating Union's ban on the move. Her daring stunt earned widespread acclaim, with commentator praising her courage and skill.
However, upon Malinin's successful landing of a backflip on one skate at this year's Olympics, many on social media expressed regret that Bonaly's achievement had been overlooked in favor of the younger skater's impressive feat. Some argued that the disparity in attention was due to the color of their skin, sparking calls for an apology from the figure skating world.
Ari Lu, a Black figure skating enthusiast, weighed in on the issue, stating that Bonaly's move, once considered taboo, had been unfairly criticized based on her appearance rather than her skill. "Something a Black person used to be derided for is now celebrated when done by a white person," she said.
Bonaly herself acknowledged the controversy, saying she was "born too early" and arrived in the Olympic scene during a time when people were not accustomed to seeing something different or didn't have open minds. She attributed her impact on the sport, which paved the way for others like Debi Thomas and Mabel Fairbanks, who overcame racism to succeed.
Despite the attention surrounding Malinin's achievement, there remains a lack of representation in figure skating from underrepresented communities. Starr Andrews, a Black skater, failed to make the US team this year, while her teammate Amber Glenn expressed reservations about attempting a backflip due to fear of injury.
The International Skating Union and the International Olympic Committee have seemingly acknowledged Bonaly's legacy by sharing her iconic performance on social media. As figure skating continues to evolve, it is clear that Surya Bonaly's pioneering spirit remains an important chapter in the sport's history.
Ilia Malinin's historic backflip at the Olympics has reignited a debate about Surya Bonaly, the trailblazing French skater who pioneered the move decades ago. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Bonaly's legacy seems to be overshadowed by Malinin's athleticism and popularity.
In 1998, Bonaly executed a single blade backflip during her free skate program at the Nagano Olympics, defying the International Skating Union's ban on the move. Her daring stunt earned widespread acclaim, with commentator praising her courage and skill.
However, upon Malinin's successful landing of a backflip on one skate at this year's Olympics, many on social media expressed regret that Bonaly's achievement had been overlooked in favor of the younger skater's impressive feat. Some argued that the disparity in attention was due to the color of their skin, sparking calls for an apology from the figure skating world.
Ari Lu, a Black figure skating enthusiast, weighed in on the issue, stating that Bonaly's move, once considered taboo, had been unfairly criticized based on her appearance rather than her skill. "Something a Black person used to be derided for is now celebrated when done by a white person," she said.
Bonaly herself acknowledged the controversy, saying she was "born too early" and arrived in the Olympic scene during a time when people were not accustomed to seeing something different or didn't have open minds. She attributed her impact on the sport, which paved the way for others like Debi Thomas and Mabel Fairbanks, who overcame racism to succeed.
Despite the attention surrounding Malinin's achievement, there remains a lack of representation in figure skating from underrepresented communities. Starr Andrews, a Black skater, failed to make the US team this year, while her teammate Amber Glenn expressed reservations about attempting a backflip due to fear of injury.
The International Skating Union and the International Olympic Committee have seemingly acknowledged Bonaly's legacy by sharing her iconic performance on social media. As figure skating continues to evolve, it is clear that Surya Bonaly's pioneering spirit remains an important chapter in the sport's history.
still can't believe people are hating on Surya Bonaly for paving the way for Ilia Malinin's backflip 
her achievement was so groundbreaking, even if it was a single blade backflip 
but I guess some ppl forgot that she broke barriers in figure skating as a black woman 
not to mention her legacy continues to inspire skaters from underrepresented communities like Starr Andrews and Amber Glenn 
they're still facing obstacles, so let's keep shining the light on pioneers like Bonaly 
the fact that malinin gets all the credit for bonaly's achievement is lowkey annoying lol. like, bonaly was literally the one who paved the way for everyone else to even attempt a backflip 
and yet people still manage to overlook her impact on the sport? it's not just about skill, it's also about breaking barriers and pushing boundaries... and bonaly did that in spades 
?
she paved the way for so many skaters from diverse backgrounds and got zero recognition back then 
meanwhile ilia malinin gets all the attention just because she's white and popular 
the fact that starr andrews didn't make the team this year is a huge deal, but they're still getting snubbed for lack of rep in the sport 
. It's like, we're still having this convo about a Black woman breaking barriers in figure skating decades ago? 
. We gotta recognize that her pioneering spirit paved the way for others to push boundaries and break free from societal norms 
. It's not just about Malinin's athleticism or popularity – it's about the systemic lack of representation in figure skating 
. We need more diversity and inclusivity in the sport, so that everyone can feel seen and heard 
.
. The fact that some people are now calling out for an apology 'cause of a possible racist undertone from all these yrs ago 
. I mean, we need more people like Bonaly paving the way for others, regardless of skin color 
. And btw, can we talk about how sad it is that some skaters are still struggling to get a spot on the team just 'cause of their ethnicity? 
The fact that people are drawing parallels between her move and Malinin's, yet still giving more attention to the younger skater's athleticism, is just whack 
. The fact that some people are making a big deal about it being overshadowed is just unfair to her legacy. She was literally banned from doing this move and still managed to make it happen on one blade 
! Its also wild how the attention now is focused on representation in figure skating, because its definitely needed 
.
. It's like when my kid finally masters a tricky skill - I want to see their progress and be proud of them too! 
. And yeah, it's not like Bonaly was "born too early" or anything - she paved the way for others to succeed, and we should be celebrating her impact on the sport 
.
. I mean, what's crazy is how some people are still trying to erase Surya's legacy just because she was French and not American or African American 
.
.
. It's time to move forward and celebrate the achievements of all athletes, regardless of their background or nationality 
... like what happened to Surya Bonaly? She was the OG 
. It's wild that people are calling out the lack of representation in figure skating from underrepresented communities... like, what about Starr Andrews or Amber Glenn? They're the ones who really need support 
- it was a real trailblazer move! 
I drew a little diagram to show how this can happen: 
and it's true... we just need to give more props to the people who paved the way for us. 
like Starr Andrews failing to make the US team last yr 
, not just celebrating the achievements of the popular ones 
.