Ilia Malinin Does Olympic Backflip, But It Doesn't Get Points

Figure skater Ilia Malinin recently performed a backflip during the Winter Olympics. While the move was exciting for fans, it does not earn points in the official scoring. This has started a conversation about what moves are valued in figure skating.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

A Daring Feat Captures Global Attention

The recent Winter Olympics saw Ilia Malinin, a prominent figure skater, execute a backflip during the men's short program. This move, often seen as a high-risk, high-reward maneuver, has ignited significant public interest and discussion. While Malinin's performance garnered cheers and applause, it also brought to the forefront a long-standing debate within the sport regarding the backflip's place in competitive figure skating. The spectacle of the move, combined with its controversial scoring implications, has thrust Malinin and the backflip into the spotlight, prompting questions about its historical context and future in the sport.

Ilia Malinin's backflip is a crowd-pleaser. It also might be reviving figure skating - 1

Historical Context of the Backflip in Figure Skating

The backflip's presence in figure skating is not new, though its reception and scoring have evolved. Historically, the move has been a crowd-pleaser, capable of generating significant audience excitement. However, its inclusion in competitive programs has been a thorny topic for decades.

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  • Early Adoption and Risks: Skaters have performed backflips in exhibitions and even competitions, but the inherent danger has always been a concern. Reports indicate that coaches and skaters have experienced injuries practicing the move, underscoring its demanding nature.

  • Bans and Deductions: The International Skating Union (ISU) has rules governing elements that can be scored. While a backflip itself is not illegal in the sense of being outright banned from being performed, it is not an element that earns points within the current scoring system for figure skating. Skaters attempting such moves might receive deductions rather than credit, depending on the context and execution.

  • Surya Bonaly's Legacy: The legacy of Surya Bonaly, a French figure skater, is often referenced in discussions about backflips. Bonaly famously performed a backflip in the Olympics, and while it was an impressive feat, she did receive a deduction for it, highlighting the sport's structured approach to scoring.

Malinin's Performance and the Scoring System

Ilia Malinin's recent Olympic backflip has brought this historical tension into sharp relief. His performance, while visually striking, highlights a disconnect between popular appeal and official scoring.

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  • A Move Unrewarded by Points: Despite the significant audience reaction to Malinin's backflip, the move itself does not contribute to his competitive score. This means that while the maneuver might impress spectators, it yields no points under the current figure skating judging criteria. This discrepancy can appear illogical to those unfamiliar with the sport's intricate rulebook.

  • Strategic Element Selection: Malinin, known for his daring attempts, including the quadruple axel, demonstrated a strategic approach to his Olympic program. In the team event, with his team in a strong position to advance, he opted to include the backflip in place of other high-scoring jumps, such as the quad axel. This decision indicates a deliberate choice to execute a move that, while not scoring, generates significant engagement.

  • Comparison to Other Skaters: In the same event, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan delivered a strong performance that earned a higher score, outranking Malinin in the men's short program. This illustrates that while spectacular moves draw attention, consistent execution of point-earning elements remains paramount for top competitive scores.

The Backflip's Impact on Figure Skating's Popularity

The conversation surrounding Ilia Malinin's backflip extends beyond just his performance; it touches upon the broader appeal and evolution of figure skating.

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  • Public Engagement vs. Artistic Merit: Malinin's willingness to perform a backflip, even without earning points for it, captures public imagination and draws attention to the sport. Some observers believe such displays of athleticism and risk-taking can help revive figure skating's appeal to a wider audience.

  • The "Quad God" Persona: Malinin has earned the moniker "Quad God" for his prowess in executing difficult quadruple jumps, including being the first to land a quadruple axel in competition. This established reputation for pushing boundaries, coupled with the visual excitement of the backflip, creates a compelling narrative around his skating.

  • A Glimpse into the Future?: The debate over the backflip's value suggests a potential re-evaluation within the sport. While Bourne, a former Olympic ice dancer, notes that Malinin's risk-taking "opens the door to more possibilities," the core challenge remains integrating such high-impact, crowd-pleasing elements into a scoring system that prioritizes technical precision and established criteria.

Expert Perspectives on the Backflip Debate

Commentators and figures within the figure skating world offer varied insights into the significance of Malinin's backflip.

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  • A Daring Addition: Some acknowledge the backflip as a visually impressive element that can enhance a skater's performance and connect with the audience. The raw excitement it generates is undeniable, regardless of its point value.

  • Skepticism Regarding Scoring: Others maintain that while entertaining, the backflip distracts from the technical rigor and artistry that define competitive figure skating. The emphasis remains on executing moves that are formally recognized and scored by the ISU.

  • Potential for Evolution: The persistent interest in the backflip, however, may prompt discussions about how the sport can adapt to incorporate more dynamic elements without compromising its fundamental principles. The balance between tradition and innovation is a central theme in these discussions.

Conclusion: A Spectacle with Unclear Scoring Future

Ilia Malinin's backflip at the Winter Olympics has undoubtedly been a memorable moment, drawing significant attention and sparking a renewed discussion about the role of such spectacular elements in figure skating. While the move failed to earn any points within the competitive scoring system, its impact on audience engagement is evident.

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  • Public Fascination: The backflip remains a crowd-pleaser, capable of eliciting strong reactions and enhancing a skater's profile.

  • Scoring Paradox: The continued existence of a popular yet un-point-earning element highlights a potential disconnect between popular appeal and official regulations in the sport.

  • Future Considerations: The attention generated by Malinin's performance may encourage further dialogue within figure skating's governing bodies about the evolution of its scoring system and the potential inclusion of previously contentious elements. The sport’s ability to balance tradition with the public’s evolving expectations will likely shape its future appeal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can figure skaters do backflips?
Yes, skaters can perform backflips. They are not against the rules to do.
Q: Does a backflip get points in figure skating?
No, a backflip does not get points in the current scoring system for figure skating.
Q: Why did Ilia Malinin do a backflip if it doesn't get points?
He did it because it is exciting for the fans and shows his skill, even though it does not add to his score.
Q: Is the backflip dangerous?
Yes, the backflip is a difficult and risky move that can lead to injuries if not done correctly.