What's Happening?
Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old American figure skater known as the 'Quad God,' has introduced a daring move to his routine: a backflip on ice. Despite its impressive nature, the move does not earn technical
points in competitions. Historically, backflips were banned in figure skating after a skater performed one at the 1976 Olympics. However, in 2024, the sport's governing body decided not to penalize the move, though it still offers no reward. Malinin, who has already made history with his quadruple jumps and the first quad axel in competition, trained for the backflip using ropes. He executed the move during the men's short program, landing on two feet and achieving a score of 108.16, which gave him a five-point lead.
Why It's Important?
Malinin's decision to include a backflip in his routine, despite it not contributing to his score, highlights his commitment to pushing the boundaries of figure skating. This move could influence the sport by encouraging other skaters to incorporate more creative and risky elements into their performances. While the backflip does not currently affect scoring, its inclusion could lead to discussions about revising the rules to reward such innovative moves. Malinin's actions may inspire a new generation of skaters to prioritize artistic expression alongside technical precision, potentially reshaping the future of competitive figure skating.
