Ilia Malinin and Adam Siao Him Fa to Make History with Legal Backflips

Ilia Malinin, a prominent American figure skater, is poised to make history by performing a legal backflip in competition at the world championships. This move was previously banned but reinstated by the ISU. Malinin and Adam Siao Him Fa are major contenders in this transformative moment for the sport.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 27-03-2025 19:07 IST | Created: 27-03-2025 19:07 IST
Ilia Malinin and Adam Siao Him Fa to Make History with Legal Backflips
Ilia Malinin

In a groundbreaking moment for figure skating, American skater Ilia Malinin is set to legally perform a backflip at the world championships. This maneuver, once banned, has been reintroduced by the International Skating Union, signaling a shift towards a more creative and modern era in the sport.

Malinin, affectionately known as the 'Quad God,' aims to thrill spectators with his exceptional athleticism. The 20-year-old, who seamlessly integrates gymnastics with skating, first unveiled the backflip at the Lombardia Trophy. Despite the move earning no technical points, it promises to enhance his artistic scores.

Germany's Katarina Witt and other icons of the sport support this evolution. As Malinin prepares to compete in Boston, he embodies the sport's innovative spirit, reinvigorating the figure skating landscape alongside France's Adam Siao Him Fa, who also seeks to leave his mark with the daring maneuver.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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