Ilia Malinin is the first male skater to land a backflip on ice at the Olympics since the ban was released. Performing a backflip on ice is a dangerous move that resulted in a 50-year ban.  Malinin has also been named the “Quad God” for his ability to perform four spinning rotations in the air, also called a quadruple jump. His talent and recent fame have put his name out there across multiple social media platforms.  

“The U.S. figure skater performed the move in his first two programs on Olympic ice, landing the latter on a single blade and sending the arena into a frenzy,” according to the NPR website. 

However impressive, Malinin was not the first to perform a backflip on ice. From the start, the move has been controversial; some skaters receive more recognition and praise than others. The first ever was in 1976 by U.S. champion Terry Kubicka. A year later, the International Skating Union banned the backflip because of the level of danger and its violation of landing jumps on one foot.  

Twenty years later, France’s Surya Bonaly famously landed a backflip on one foot in 1998 at the Nagano Olympics. She wanted to make a mark on history since it was her final chance to perform. 

“I think she’s done that because she wants to, because it’s not allowed. So good on her,” a television commentator said on ABC News. 

The question is, do backflips give skaters an edge if they can do one compared to someone who cannot? Performing a backflip will not deduct any points to a skater’s score. It is not a required move; however, it can boost artistic score. Many skaters have said that they have no interest in learning a backflip because of the dangers, but some find it an advantage. Safe to say it is a risky move, both physically and technically.  

Malinin had a shocking eighth place finish after sparking high hopes from his first performance and signature moves. He made several mistakes and fell twice on attempted axels. Following the performance, his facial expressions showed frustration and disappointment. However, being only 21 years old, the Winter Olympics are bound to see him back in the coming years.  

“A reminder that nothing is certain in sports, there is no such thing as inevitable,” one announcer said following the skate.