Actually, Radiolab interviewed her for an episode called "on the edge" which you can listen to for free on their website. She says she was in so much pain and was just trying to find something she could do (and she hoped the judges would award points because she landed on one foot, like you're supposed to). I guess it's more complicated than just that, but it's a fascinating interview.
In an interview with NPR she said she was in such pain here that she made a decision on the fly to throw in the back flip because her one leg was so weak. What a trooper...
Her smile and energy after the backflip ❤️ Her body can make quick spin succession but she knows she can't impress the judges, so she turned to the crowd.
Who were the medal winners in 1998 again? Yeah, I don't know either. I remember this though. I think that says everything. I'll bet she has ZERO regrets.
Honestly though, the sport had good reason to want to keep the backflip out of amateur competition. You cannot deny that it's a dangerous move and the stakes are much higher in terms of a permanent or even life-threatening injury when you compare with the jumps. If they allowed it to be in the rules and people start putting it in their programs, it might encourage people to learn it who could injure themselves. In 1992 at the Olynpics Surya tried one during a practice session and she happened to be sharing the ice with Midori Ito who said that it spooked her concentration when she looked over and saw her doing it with other competitors sharing the ice nearby, and I'm sure other skaters agreed. It belongs in the professional world.
C'était génial ! Un grand souvenir ! MERCI SURYA ! Nous sommes tellement fiers de toi en France ! Tu n'as pas gagné la médaille mais on s'en fiche ! C'était tellement plein de panache !!! 💙🤍❤️
I have always loved this female skater especially back in those days when the scoring was even more political than it is today. You go girl! BTW, they should allow backflips as long as you land the jump on one foot like her.
Scott Hamilton actually said that is why they didn't allow them because you couldn't land them on one foot lol. But hey man here she is proving they can, she did what you said and she still got punished. It was so screwed up.
Now that the backflip is legal, I haven't seen it look better than when Ms Bonaly was landing it. Grateful I had a chance to see her in exhibition live.
I remember watching this back then. Those judges all look like then need a hard drilling to loosen them up. What a bunch of stiffs. She proved them all wrong. They say too dangerous to perdorm and on one foot. I think they dont allow it because not many can perform it. I dont remember the winners but i do remember her for the back flip. Bravo!!!!!
Since she was going into her post Olympics ice circuit career, maybe she did the back flip so she could draw more fans and command more pay. It would be smart. She is awesome.
Surya definitely had all the qualities that would have made her a very popular and successful skater in the professional world, I do vaguely remember her competing at the world professional championships after the 98 Olympics and her turning pro. Unfortunately by this time, the boom of professional figure skating (that ironically came about because of the Kerrigan and Harding scandal and the press it created) was starting to diminish and there were fewer and fewer opportunities to compete as a professional. In 2023 I'm not even sure what's left, maybe a few pro ams? And skating in shows obviously...
She's great! Well, she landed it correctly on one foot didn't she? Some of the judges should have appreciated the effort, although I know the backflip is banned. Also very interesting how she ended her program with her back to the judges, but facing the crowd! Who loved and supported her.
Bonaly found herself in sixth place, realizing that winning the gold was implausible, and even other medals were likely out of reach due to her placement and the challenges posed by her injury, impacting her jumps in the free skate performance.
Coming from SB. Guess it would be hard for a rule maker to change the rules in favour of doing a backflip onto one foot because surely it will inevitably lead to a major injury? Doesn't change how awesome a successful one is.
I agree. By the one foot rule, I think flips should be allowed. But if they've been a point deduction for so long and then you make them allowed, you're begging for a major injury or two
So if i understood SB correct the rule was mainly instated because the complaint was that the landing of a backflip was with two feet and didn't look elegant? Well this fine lady just did land it on one and it sure looked elegant if you ask me (i also agree that with two it just doesn't look the same).Also judging from the crowds reaction they sure approved of it and isn't that what counts in a not clearly definable event as this one especially keeping in mind the history of the Olympics...
That's right Surya. They were saving the Gold Medal for USA or JPN and Surya KNEW that. So her GOLD was to do the backflip on ONE blade before the ENTIRE world. 🤗👏
See the thing about backflips is they're banned cause you "have" to land on two feet and figure skaters hate landing like gymnasts, they think it looks "wobbly" and "bad" that landing on one foot is "graceful" Surya Bonaly just pulled off a one foot landing off a backflip that is AMAZING
Totally disagree. She fell on the triple salchow and had two other messy landings. She didn't even attempt a triple Lutz. For this entire Olympic competition, the only two triple jumps that she landed cleanly were the toe and the Salchow.... the jumps are supposed to be her strength, but at this point in her career they were a weakness due to the injuries...To be anywhere near a Podium threat, she would have needed much more difficulty. Even if she had skated cleanly she likely would not have been near the podium without at least one triple Lutz. The judges had no choice but to score her low for attempting the backflip as it was an illegal move specified in the rules, there was no room for interpretation. If you honestly believe that this performance was a first-place performance at this competition than you don't know anything about figure skating.
I admire her athletic body and strength. She was unique. Her abilities were different. She wasn`t an ice princess. She was a warrior. Her coaches should have noticed that and work out better choreography, suitable for her. In this programme I don`t see true Surya. I don`t see emotions, flow, grace, passion and strength. And I am sure that Surya had them!
Elżbieta Czerniak are u kidding me she was dealing with a injured ankle this was surya fighting through every jump an skill an going out with a bang with that backflip
I swear I have the same reaction today that I did watching her years ago. The frustration of watching someone with such amazing energy but always a slip or some sloppy ass entrance into a jump. She is so riveting to watch. I never understood with her incredible ability why she couldn’t fix those entrances and exits to her jumps. I guess it’s just hard as hell probably why. People don’t understand why she didn’t get the gold that’s pretty much why. Frustrating.
I don't want to blame it just on one factor, but I don't think her mother was really a good coach. Surya did suffer from rigged scoring/racism by the judging panel, but some of it could really be adjusted by the right coach/choreographer. Nonetheless, her legacy lives on 💕
@@lf546 Also Surya Bonaly is a 5 Time European Champion and 3 Time World Silver Medalist where most of here competitors where white. WHERE IS THE RACISM THERE? WHERE???
She was a jumper not a skater. She was never the victim of racism. She just never could do what the sport required which was skate. She just clomped around and sometimes jumped with degrees of success.
![[HD] Surya Bonaly - 1998 Nagano Olympics - FS - "The Four Seasons"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XVnRAWkyP5M/mqdefault.jpg)
What an absolute flex this was. Knew she wasn't going to win and knew she would get deducted. But also knew the fans would love it. Legend stuff
Back to the judges too.
Actually, Radiolab interviewed her for an episode called "on the edge" which you can listen to for free on their website. She says she was in so much pain and was just trying to find something she could do (and she hoped the judges would award points because she landed on one foot, like you're supposed to). I guess it's more complicated than just that, but it's a fascinating interview.
She was gymnast before figure skater.
The backflip/somersault rule in figure skating is the ultimate "hate us 'cause they ain't us" rule.
The backflip was banned when she was 3 years old...
The funny thing is noone can remember the skaters who medalled, all anyone knows about this olympics is surya and her iconic backflip. Yasss queen!
Actually, a lot of people remembered who medalled at these Olympics, especially with Michelle Kwan being part of the picture. Like really??? 🤣🤣🤣
There was nothing memorable about Michelle kwans routine at all other then the clean executions but that's about it.
@@tyboogie1982 who is Michelle Kwan
@@tyboogie1982 people who follow the olympics might know, but the common person absolutely doesnt, but they do know about this.
@@H0r1blCS I remember that she had a guest appearance at the Simpsons and Milhouse really likes her.
Thanks Secret Base, this was lit 🔥
The landing position on that backflip is just the perfect combination of elegance and “screw you.” Well done.
The Olympics are about doing stuff the rest of us mortals could never. She is the embodiment of the sport
You might have been able to, if you had dedicated hours every day in pursuit of your goal. You have to respect their dedication
I love how she ended facing the crowd with her back to the judges, and a big smile on her face! What a way to round off a career!
In an interview with NPR she said she was in such pain here that she made a decision on the fly to throw in the back flip because her one leg was so weak. What a trooper...
I heard that story a few years ago I think it was a episode of radio lab it is a amazing story to hear
Nobody could skate with the style, and unbelievable flips, like Surya. I miss her and the entire 80s/90s era of figure skating.
Thank you secret base that shit was sick asf
She thought if I’m not gonna win I’m at least gonna go out in style...😎😎😎 U go girl!
She doesn't need the medal, she made history
The comment section on this video is about to blow up
Hi Secret Base fans!
There were 34 comments on this video before today, for reference.
Landing that backflip on one foot is insane 😮
What’s up SB gang
I see you are already here!
Her smile and energy after the backflip ❤️
Her body can make quick spin succession but she knows she can't impress the judges, so she turned to the crowd.
Thanks, Secret Base!
Here from SB gang,
But There is an entire documentary on Netflix about her.
A must watch.
"You know what? F@ck it!"- Surya Bonaly
I love how giddy the commentator is about her performance 😂✨
Welcome, fellow Secret Base watchers!
Who were the medal winners in 1998 again? Yeah, I don't know either. I remember this though. I think that says everything. I'll bet she has ZERO regrets.
Imagine taking points away because someone did a one leg backflip.. Savage
Honestly though, the sport had good reason to want to keep the backflip out of amateur competition. You cannot deny that it's a dangerous move and the stakes are much higher in terms of a permanent or even life-threatening injury when you compare with the jumps. If they allowed it to be in the rules and people start putting it in their programs, it might encourage people to learn it who could injure themselves. In 1992 at the Olynpics Surya tried one during a practice session and she happened to be sharing the ice with Midori Ito who said that it spooked her concentration when she looked over and saw her doing it with other competitors sharing the ice nearby, and I'm sure other skaters agreed. It belongs in the professional world.
Thank you for Secret base for this
I love her attitude and her courage; what a perfectly elegant form of rebellion.
Such a beautiful soul.
C'était génial ! Un grand souvenir ! MERCI SURYA ! Nous sommes tellement fiers de toi en France ! Tu n'as pas gagné la médaille mais on s'en fiche ! C'était tellement plein de panache !!! 💙🤍❤️
Whew Chile! I'm still reliving this moment in 2022. still jumping up and throwing fists!!
I have always loved this female skater especially back in those days when the scoring was even more political than it is today. You go girl! BTW, they should allow backflips as long as you land the jump on one foot like her.
Scott Hamilton actually said that is why they didn't allow them because you couldn't land them on one foot lol. But hey man here she is proving they can, she did what you said and she still got punished. It was so screwed up.
I am proud of surya for doing the back flip
So amazing!!!! A legend!!
Now that the backflip is legal, I haven't seen it look better than when Ms Bonaly was landing it. Grateful I had a chance to see her in exhibition live.
Absolute Badass
SB Nation brought me here
she advanced the sport, at the cost of her score. what a fucking queen.
I remember watching this back then. Those judges all look like then need a hard drilling to loosen them up. What a bunch of stiffs. She proved them all wrong. They say too dangerous to perdorm and on one foot. I think they dont allow it because not many can perform it. I dont remember the winners but i do remember her for the back flip. Bravo!!!!!
We're all here from Secret Base, right?
Secret base never fails to deliver. And now I know is a Sista too! Yea!!!!!
She's a legend!
Love her!
Badass.
Simply. Awesome!
what a badass
Man she realy said F*CK the judges im doing It for the fans with those move
Since she was going into her post Olympics ice circuit career, maybe she did the back flip so she could draw more fans and command more pay. It would be smart. She is awesome.
Surya definitely had all the qualities that would have made her a very popular and successful skater in the professional world, I do vaguely remember her competing at the world professional championships after the 98 Olympics and her turning pro. Unfortunately by this time, the boom of professional figure skating (that ironically came about because of the Kerrigan and Harding scandal and the press it created) was starting to diminish and there were fewer and fewer opportunities to compete as a professional. In 2023 I'm not even sure what's left, maybe a few pro ams? And skating in shows obviously...
She's great! Well, she landed it correctly on one foot didn't she? Some of the judges should have appreciated the effort, although I know the backflip is banned. Also very interesting how she ended her program with her back to the judges, but facing the crowd! Who loved and supported her.
GO SURYA! GO SURYA! GO SURYA!!! ♥
Legendary flex.
what a freaking badass
backflip is at 3:55 you're welcome
thank u
Hahaha - the look on the lady at 4:50!
Netflix brought me here. What an amazing person you are Surya!
Secret Base brought me here. Who else?
Bonaly found herself in sixth place, realizing that winning the gold was implausible, and even other medals were likely out of reach due to her placement and the challenges posed by her injury, impacting her jumps in the free skate performance.
Awesome backflip deserved gold medal
Spectacular
Coming from SB. Guess it would be hard for a rule maker to change the rules in favour of doing a backflip onto one foot because surely it will inevitably lead to a major injury? Doesn't change how awesome a successful one is.
I agree. By the one foot rule, I think flips should be allowed. But if they've been a point deduction for so long and then you make them allowed, you're begging for a major injury or two
Resterà nella storia insuperabile
So if i understood SB correct the rule was mainly instated because the complaint was that the landing of a backflip was with two feet and didn't look elegant? Well this fine lady just did land it on one and it sure looked elegant if you ask me (i also agree that with two it just doesn't look the same).Also judging from the crowds reaction they sure approved of it and isn't that what counts in a not clearly definable event as this one especially keeping in mind the history of the Olympics...
That's right Surya. They were saving the Gold Medal for USA or JPN and Surya KNEW that. So her GOLD was to do the backflip on ONE blade before the ENTIRE world. 🤗👏
sb nation dons in the house
I loved her choice of music for this FS. Winter from Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons was fitting.
She wasn't as fluid as 1994 but that was still a great backflip.
4.6 and 4.8
The crowd: *applauded*
The judges: not on my watch!
Who is here from secret base?
See the thing about backflips is they're banned cause you "have" to land on two feet and figure skaters hate landing like gymnasts, they think it looks "wobbly" and "bad" that landing on one foot is "graceful"
Surya Bonaly just pulled off a one foot landing off a backflip that is AMAZING
We all know this was a first place performance and the fact that these judges scored her low is shameful! She was amazing!
She made some mistakes. Not the others. But we were very proud in France. She was a star.
Totally disagree. She fell on the triple salchow and had two other messy landings. She didn't even attempt a triple Lutz. For this entire Olympic competition, the only two triple jumps that she landed cleanly were the toe and the Salchow.... the jumps are supposed to be her strength, but at this point in her career they were a weakness due to the injuries...To be anywhere near a Podium threat, she would have needed much more difficulty. Even if she had skated cleanly she likely would not have been near the podium without at least one triple Lutz. The judges had no choice but to score her low for attempting the backflip as it was an illegal move specified in the rules, there was no room for interpretation. If you honestly believe that this performance was a first-place performance at this competition than you don't know anything about figure skating.
I cant do a backflip on a trampoline lol
Who are the people who comment on TV?
she did not give a flying f**k about the back flip in competition
She's the best skater in history!!!🙌🙌🙌
Epic. Why is this illegal? This is why people hate the judges and rules of figure skating. #FreeTheFlip
I admire her athletic body and strength. She was unique. Her abilities were different. She wasn`t an ice princess. She was a warrior. Her coaches should have noticed that and work out better choreography, suitable for her. In this programme I don`t see true Surya. I don`t see emotions, flow, grace, passion and strength. And I am sure that Surya had them!
Elżbieta Czerniak are u kidding me she was dealing with a injured ankle this was surya fighting through every jump an skill an going out with a bang with that backflip
⛸🥇⛸🥇⛸🥇⛸🥇⛸
🥇3:53 5:14 backflip🥇
⛸🥇⛸🥇⛸🥇⛸🥇⛸
3:54 is why you came here...
Who else is here cause of Secret Base?
She doesn't care about the judges
I swear I have the same reaction today that I did watching her years ago. The frustration of watching someone with such amazing energy but always a slip or some sloppy ass entrance into a jump. She is so riveting to watch. I never understood with her incredible ability why she couldn’t fix those entrances and exits to her jumps. I guess it’s just hard as hell probably why. People don’t understand why she didn’t get the gold that’s pretty much why. Frustrating.
Never skated nor do I know "Anything" about it, but I caught that as well. Very good, but just wasnt as smooth as it needed to be
I don't want to blame it just on one factor, but I don't think her mother was really a good coach.
Surya did suffer from rigged scoring/racism by the judging panel, but some of it could really be adjusted by the right coach/choreographer.
Nonetheless, her legacy lives on 💕
@@lf546 Racism? No! Hello! Debi Thomas is a World Champion and an Olympic Bronze Medalists
@@lf546 Also Surya Bonaly is a 5 Time European Champion and 3 Time World Silver Medalist where most of here competitors where white. WHERE IS THE RACISM THERE? WHERE???
@@tyboogie1982 yeah, my understanding was that the judges didn't like her style, ie. very athletic but not so much 'grace'.
If she was white woulda been a perfect score
Dear Olympics and ice skating regulating body,
Make flips legal.
Signed, erebody.
Simply Amazon! Thank you for the memories. Check her out on Netflix "Losers" (title) ep 3 Judgement. Very interesting
Figure skating is the MLB of the winter games…
LEGALIZE IT
Agreed.... I would much rather see woman perform backflips and cartwheels than poorly executed quads.
She was a jumper not a skater. She was never the victim of racism. She just never could do what the sport required which was skate. She just clomped around and sometimes jumped with degrees of success.
Stupid rules that remove spectacle in favor of dumb tradition.