Ilia Malinin Sets Olympic Record with Historic Backflip

Ilia Malinin has made history in the world of figure skating by successfully landing a backflip during the Olympic competitions in Milan, Italy. This remarkable feat has reignited interest in the backflip and earned Malinin the title of the “Quad God.” His performance in the team event not only thrilled spectators but also secured a top spot for Team USA.

Historic Olympic Moment

During his routine, Malinin executed a backflip that was met with an ecstatic response from the audience. “It’s honestly such an incredible roar-feeling in the environment,” Malinin remarked about the crowd’s reaction. He believes that his backflip can engage new fans who may not typically follow figure skating.

Backflip’s Legacy

The backflip has a controversial history in figure skating. Terry Kubicka, the first to land this move in international competition at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, faced challenges due to the absence of clear regulations. The International Skating Union imposed a ban on the backflip shortly after Kubicka’s performance, citing safety concerns and the rule that jumps should land on one skate.

• 1976: Terry Kubicka lands the first Olympic backflip.
• 1998: Surya Bonaly performs an illegal backflip at the Nagano Olympics.
• 2024: The backflip is legalized by the International Skating Union.

The backflip resurfaced in recent competitions. Notably, French skater Adam Siao Him Fa completed the move at the 2024 European Championships, showcasing the growing acceptance of exhilarating jumps like the backflip. Despite its legality, the maneuver does not contribute to a skater’s technical score but can enhance artistic impression.

Future of the Backflip in Skating

With the backflip now permissible, skaters can bring this exciting move back into competition. U.S. skater Will Annis is one of those inspired by the legal return of the backflip. “Every time the crowd goes crazy for it, it’s really fun,” Annis said after landing a backflip at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Malinin’s successful landing of the backflip at the Olympics marks a pivotal moment in figure skating history, bridging past controversies and paving the way for a new generation of skaters to incorporate this thrilling element into their performances.