Fans and commentators couldn’t help but draw comparisons to French skating icon Surya Bonaly, who famously performed a backflip at the 1998 Nagano Games despite knowing it would cost her points. But unlike Bonaly’s defiant display, Malinin’s backflip counted toward his score, and the arena’s roar made it clear the risk was worth it.
“The audience just roared,” Malinin said afterward, describing how the electric atmosphere of the Olympic stage lifted him through the move. He added that he stayed focused on gratitude and presence — a mindset elite competitors cultivate to navigate both pressure and unpredictability.
While Malinin ultimately finished second behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, his routine dominated conversations around the Games. Social media buzzed with praise, excitement, and disbelief, with fans calling the performance “fearless,” “historic,” and “unforgettable.” Medals matter, but moments like this often outlive podium placements.
By reviving a move once deemed impossible, Malinin did more than score points — he etched his name into Olympic history and reminded the world why the Winter Games remain a stage for the extraordinary.