US Olympian Executes Banned Move Scripted Out Since 1977

At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, history was made when Ilia Malinin executed a legally sanctioned backflip. This marked the first time such a move has been performed at the Winter Games since 1976.

Historic Olympic Achievement

On February 7, 2024, American figure skater Ilia Malinin, 21, successfully landed the backflip during the men’s short program team event. He achieved this at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, earning an impressive score of 98.00.

This remarkable feat had not been legally completed for 50 years. The last legal execution of a backflip at the Winter Olympics was by American skater Terry Kubicka in 1976 at the Innsbruck Games. The International Skating Union (ISU) banned the move due to safety concerns shortly thereafter.

Backflip’s Olympic History

• 1976: Terry Kubicka performed the last legal backflip at the Winter Olympics.
• 1998: Surya Bonaly executed a backflip but was penalized as it was deemed illegal.
• 2024: The ISU officially legalized the backflip, allowing Malinin to perform the move.

After his performance, Malinin expressed his joy, stating, “I try to enjoy every single moment and be grateful for everything.” His emotional connection to the sport resonated with the audience, which erupted in applause.

Competitive Landscape

Despite Malinin’s historic performance, he finished second in the event, trailing Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama. The competition continues to be fierce as the Olympics unfold, with host nation Italy currently sharing the top spot on the medal table with Japan and Norway.

Social Media Reactions

Fans were quick to voice their admiration for Malinin’s stunning backflip on social media platforms. Comments ranged from excitement about his upcoming performances to nostalgic reflections on past Olympic moments.

• “Ilia Malinin is doing the free skate today and I fear I won’t be able to think about anything else until then.”
• “He’s as cold as the ice he skates on.”
• “Surya did it and landed on one foot.”
• “Bloke is surely making it up as he goes along.”

The 2024 Winter Olympics are proving to be a significant platform for emerging athletes, with Malinin’s backflip highlighting the blend of skill and history in figure skating.