Ilia Malinin Lands Historic Backflip at Olympics, Decades After Bonaly's Defiant Move

U.S. figure skater Malinin becomes first to legally perform backflip on Olympic ice since 1976, following in footsteps of trailblazer Surya Bonaly.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin landed two backflips during his programs at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, becoming the first to legally perform the move on Olympic ice in nearly 50 years. The 'Quad God' Malinin's historic backflips were a nod to French skater Surya Bonaly, who defiantly performed the banned move at the 1998 Nagano Olympics despite knowing she would be penalized.

Why it matters

Malinin's backflips on Olympic ice represent a significant milestone, as the move was banned by the International Skating Union in 1977 due to safety concerns. Bonaly's defiant backflip in 1998 was seen as a statement against the sport's establishment, and her trailblazing paved the way for the move's eventual reinstatement and Malinin's historic performance.

The details

Malinin landed the backflips as part of his gold medal-winning free skate program at the 2026 Olympics. The backflip was first performed on Olympic ice by American Terry Kubicka in 1976, but was banned the following year. In 1998, French skater Surya Bonaly performed a backflip on one blade at the Nagano Olympics, knowing she would be penalized, as a statement against the sport's establishment. The ISU officially lifted its backflip ban for the 2024-2025 season, paving the way for Malinin's historic performance.

  • Kubicka landed the first Olympic backflip in 1976.
  • The ISU banned backflips in 1977.
  • Bonaly performed a defiant backflip at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
  • The ISU lifted its backflip ban for the 2024-2025 season.
  • Malinin landed two backflips at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

The players

Ilia Malinin

A U.S. figure skater known as the 'Quad God' who landed the first legal backflips on Olympic ice in nearly 50 years at the 2026 Winter Games.

Terry Kubicka

An American figure skater who was the first to land a backflip in international competition at the 1976 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

Surya Bonaly

A French figure skater who defiantly performed a backflip on one blade at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, despite knowing she would be penalized, as a statement against the sport's establishment.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not that (much of) a rebel. I appreciate more and I feel more proud of myself now, today, than years ago for when I did it.”

— Surya Bonaly (Radiolab)

“I broke ice for other skaters. Now everything is different. People welcome anyone as long as they are good, and that is what life is about.”

— Surya Bonaly (Associated Press)

What’s next

The International Skating Union is expected to continue evaluating the backflip and other innovative moves as the sport evolves.

The takeaway

Malinin's historic backflips on Olympic ice represent a significant milestone, building upon the trailblazing efforts of Surya Bonaly and others who pushed the boundaries of figure skating. This moment highlights the sport's ongoing evolution and the importance of embracing new techniques and perspectives.