What's Happening?
American figure skater Ilia Malinin made history at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games by successfully landing a backflip during the men's short program team event. This move, banned since 1977 due to safety
concerns, was recently legalized by the International Skating Union in 2024. Malinin's performance, which earned him a score of 98.00, was met with enthusiasm from the audience and marked a significant moment in Olympic history. Despite the impressive feat, Malinin finished second behind Japan's Yuma Kagiyama.
Why It's Important?
Malinin's successful execution of the backflip highlights the evolving nature of figure skating and the increasing complexity of routines. The legalization of the move reflects changes in safety standards and the sport's willingness to embrace more daring elements. This development could inspire other skaters to incorporate similar moves, potentially raising the level of competition. Additionally, Malinin's performance brings attention to the U.S. figure skating team and could boost interest and investment in the sport domestically.
