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Story summary
- In 1998, Surya Bonaly became the first Olympic backflip by a woman, though she was penalized for performing the move.
- The International Skating Union banned backflips in 1977 due to safety concerns.
- Recently, U.S. skater Ilia Malinin performed the backflip and received praise that Bonaly did not.
- Bonaly highlighted racial dynamics in figure skating and urged skaters to push boundaries, be authentic, and resilient regardless of accolades.
