NOTE: VIDEO INSIDE THE ARTICLE.
Winter Olympics history was made at the Milan-Cortina Games on Saturday, February 7, when American figure skater Ilia Malinin executed a move not legally seen on Olympic ice in 50 years. Fans at the Milano Ice Skating Arena watched in disbelief as the 21-year-old landed a perfect backflip during the men’s short program team event, a feat that earned him a score of 98.00 and captured the attention of viewers worldwide.
Although the Games officially began on Wednesday, February 4, and the opening ceremony took place on Friday, February 6, the action has quickly intensified, with host nation Italy currently sharing the top of the medal table alongside Japan and Norway. As is often the case at the Olympics, lesser-known athletes have an opportunity to make a name for themselves, and Malinin seized that chance with flair.
The backflip, one of the most technically demanding moves in figure skating, carries a rich and controversial Olympic history. French skater Surya Bonaly famously landed the maneuver at the Nagano Games in 1998, but the move was illegal at the time, resulting in penalties for the daring performance. For a legal execution, audiences must look back even further — to the 1976 Innsbruck Games, where American Terry Kubicka performed the move before it was banned by the International Skating Union (ISU) for being too dangerous. The ISU only re-legalized the backflip in 2024, opening the door for Malinin’s historic attempt.
Following his performance, Malinin described the experience as “fun,” noting the overwhelming reaction of the crowd. “I mean, come on, the audience just roared, and they were just out of control,” he said. “Really, that just helped me feel the gratitude of the Olympic stage.” The skater emphasized his focus on enjoying the moment, adding, “I try to enjoy every single moment and be grateful for everything, because there are a lot of unexpected things that can happen in life. I’m taking everything to heart.”
Despite the technical brilliance of the backflip, Malinin ultimately finished second behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama on Saturday. While he did not take the top podium spot, his achievement will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the Milan-Cortina Games, both for its historical significance and its daring execution.
The performance quickly went viral on social media, with fans expressing admiration and awe. One viewer wrote, “Ilia Malinin is doing the free skate today and I fear I won’t be able to think about anything else until then.” Another commented on the skater’s composure, saying, “He’s as cold as the ice he skates on,” while others drew comparisons to previous athletes, noting, “Surya did it and landed on one foot,” or joking, “Bloke is surely making it up as he goes along.”
Malinin’s historic backflip highlights the evolving nature of figure skating, where innovation and risk-taking continue to push the sport to new heights. It also underscores the significance of Olympic regulation changes, such as the ISU’s 2024 decision to legalize the backflip, which has allowed athletes to revisit long-forbidden elements safely.
As the Milan-Cortina Games progress, Malinin’s performance serves as a reminder of the thrill and unpredictability that the Olympics consistently deliver. From unexpected records to daring technical feats, the Games remain a stage where athletes can challenge history and inspire both fans and future competitors alike.
While Malinin’s backflip may not have secured a gold medal, it has certainly earned him a permanent place in Winter Olympics lore. Fans and fellow skaters will be watching eagerly as he takes to the ice again in the free skate, eager to see what other groundbreaking feats he may bring to the Olympic stage.
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Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
