02/15/2026
I mean, not everything is about race but wow amazing like truly outstanding black girl ice-queen did it knowing it was worthy of challenging the rules, she was  penalized. 20 years later they’ve decided it’s OK and a blonde boy nails it gets highest points for difficulty? But to be empathetic he is being very challenged at these games, fragile even, so I’m sure he needed the boost of that triumph too. 
I wonder that we don’t see as many amazing black talent come back after being chastised for greatness? Maybe because damn one workes so hard to get there overcoming so much discrimination simply based on you don’t look like you’re supposed to be here, and you still have to deal with issues of s*x or race.
Let’s do remember that the Olympics was one of the first places we had to root out the s*xual abusers.  Remember how all those obviously over stressed gymnasts were being abused by their coaches circa 1990’s?
Anyway this triumph belongs to Surya👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Ilia Malinin made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by landing the first legal one-foot backflip on Olympic ice, thrilling fans and earning big points for Team USA. The move was groundbreaking because, for decades, backflips had been banned in competitive figure skating.
But let’s not forget who paved the way. Back in 1998, Surya Bonaly, a Black French skater, stunned everyone by landing a one-foot backflip at the Nagano Olympics — even though it was against the rules. She took the penalty with grace, knowing she was making a statement. It wasn’t about the points; it was about the power of her defiance.
Fast forward to 2024, when the International Skating Union lifted the ban on backflips, officially making Malinin’s move possible. Still, Bonaly’s iconic act remains a symbol of courage and rebellion, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in the sport.
These athletes — past and present — have shown us that breaking barriers isn't just about talent; it’s about doing things your own way and inspiring others to follow. And when it comes to pushing limits in sports, both of them deserve all the credit.