How Backflipping Black Figure Skater Surya Bonaly Changed Sports Forever

[@alexdavinci9533]

She did a back flip and landed on one foot. That's history in my book.

[@emilymoon3542]

Alex da Vinci that's history in everyone's book

[@shenell1988]

durkadur27 are you a sexist, racist or both?? I mean you don't have not one nice thing to say about her. Did a female of a different race break your heart or something because your jackass for knocking her accomplishments instead of giving props for being different.

[@aglayamajorem9546]

Tiffany Thrower He/she has a point. She wasn't the only one doing the back flip as pointed out in the video. And even those guys who flipped back didn't get the points for them. It's not racist for pointing that out nor sexist. Facts.

[@Jaylio]

Ikr it's amazing! Those critics don't see talent.

[@Archihuman]

What a total legit badass

[@missxxmissxx]

Why do they keep saying she wasn't feminine? People always say that about us black women, it's annoying.

[@bitchslapthesun]

missxxmissxx What the hell is feminine supposed to be anyway?

[@HeartNSuspension]

A predetermined standard in society that continually changes depending on what part of the world you live in? *shrugs* The only feminine roles I know for sure that people adhere to is the "petite pretty princess" and the "vivacious voluptuous vixen." Not all girls grow up to fit into either category though, so I feel like we should create a new standard of femininity that extends beyond the scope of being attractive...But that's just me.

[@Prettyautumnrain]

Not always. Look at Vanessa James (my favorite lol), shes a feminine and strong black skater. She does amazing jumps and seems almost like a swan on ice, dancing . Bonaly doesn’t. Her jumps were out of this world, yes, but she lacked of the beautiful artistry of ice skating. She would be great at this moment in time, because now judges care more about jumps than anything. For me, Bonaly was an ice jumper in the world of ice skaters. Sadly, because she only cared about jumps. Out of ice I liked her, she seemed cool ;D but there is one thing I disliked about the judges, and it was that they definitely had(and have) favorites, and sometimes over score them, inflating their results. I’m sorry for my English, my first language is actually Spanish ;p

[@0121-x2j]

cause she is hench.

[@sandytimmons8680]

purple rose as

[@Ursulline]

You guys rock for making this video. More people should know about this badass woman. The undercurrent of racism and acceptance was so apparent back then and she pioneered changing that for many athletes to come after her transcending ice skating.

[@Tan87ful]

Exactly

[@ninamarino374]

Surya Bonaly was a beautiful skater. Talented and graceful in her spectacular jumps. The only skater in the world to ever do a back flip and land on one leg!! It is a shame she wasn't given the recognition she deserves.

[@c04jpk]

Bonaly was a total badass; whoever produced this segment, however, was just a bad journalist.

[@hannahaharoni6767]

I have never seen anything like this on the ice before. She took ice skating to a totally different world. Yes, she was definitely discriminated and disregarded for not staying within the traditional box. I would like to see a movie about her story aswell. Everyone should know that she was the ice queen.

[@mikko3]

Because thats not what figure skating is about. You can go look at back flips in shows, she isnt first one. Competition isnt about that, "traditional box" thats what figure skating is. Thats the sport and culture, if you cant respect the culture then do something else She wasnt no ice queen, stop disrespecting the skaters who care about the culture and sport

[@purplealice]

Bonaly' athletic strength and self-confidence led her to achieve jumps very few women could even attempt, and her astonishing backflips deserve to be recognized as the breathtaking achievements they are. She is still a role model for young women (especially young black women) who want to set records with their physical strength and strength of will. Serena Williams and Surya Bonaly give today's young women athletes ideas of what to strive for.

[@avajardine4573]

It doesn't matter her race or if she likes to skate different than others she amazing and she likes to show who she is and that's called being YOU

[@Sandy33569]

They explained perfectly well why she never did. Performing an illegal/dangerous move should never be rewarded. Also, isn't figure skating supposed to be more about artistry than JUST tricks? So, there's really no controversy here. It's not about her race or body, but her technique as well it seems.

[@babybbunnyisaac9886]

She wasn't an ice princess. She was an ice queen and they couldn't handle it.

[@tamdoll3823]

Bunny Isaac Exactly!

[@noelanifalemaka5674]

Bunny Isaac Yup thats true.

[@meechanyo7909]

couldn't agree more!

[@MahHairChronicles]

*claps*

[@jennym2080]

Best comment here. There are always going to be many princesses but there will only be one queen.

[@kiseki3360]

Life would be so much better if idiotic things like racism didn't exist.

[@Elizabeth-bd6vy]

Kisara K. smh ugh people these days

[@angelface101ful]

Kisara K. so true

[@aceatkins191]

true story😇

[@-_flor_-859]

ikr

[@durkadur27]

Ikr that racist ass skater thinking everyone is out to get her because she's black. I mean how low can you go?

[@auwalidrismuhammad1336]

“She isn’t an Ice Princess”??? Why would a QUEEN wants to demote herself to a PRINCESS??? I think you don’t understand what she is trying to tell you... She is a Badass QUEEN!!!👸🏾👸🏾👸🏾

[@Tan87ful]

Auwal Idris Muhammad exactly 💯💯

[@mrsandmom5947]

So

[@jeannemont-rose471]

couldn't agree more. she beat them at their own game and haters are still butthurt after 20 yrs

[@valentinaqueenofthevalkyri3128]

Auwal Idris Muhammad she was really good. It's a shame she didnt win :/

[@randyagbu7830]

Auwal Idris Muhammad white people are jealous if dark skinned people can do better than them because they thought they are the dominant race and can do much better. Talent has nothing to do with skin color.

[@monrque]

I'm old enough to remember watching her skate. & I remember all off comments about her a typical figure skating body. The last time I checked figure skating was a sport and she was beautiful on the ice and what she did. but they couldn't appreciate it. she didn't skate like their typical ice princess mold and they didn't like her for it and they made sure she knew it. Scott Hamilton and jumping jack did backflips and there was not a lot of protest about it but it was always something special to see the only woman be able to accomplish something like that

[@jeangentry6656]

momogurl Scott Hamilton had also gone pro by the time he was doing backflips regularly. If she wanted backflips to count, she should have pro sooner. i loved her as a kid and thought she was cool, but her rebellious attitude hurt her professionally.

[@monrque]

Jean Gentry she's been a professional for a long time so the whole backflip thing was kind of a moot point. they just didn't like her because of her style. She didn't fit their mold and that's really what it was about. people aren't necessarily accepting if you're different. her style was more athletic along the lines of men skating but there was nothing wrong with that. they just couldn't deal with it at the time. They didn't get mad at the men for being athletic they just didn't think she have the right body

[@aceatkins191]

+Mello Carrier 😂

[@mavsworld1733]

Don't do a judging sport if you are going to complain that people don't like your style.

[@monrque]

MavsWorld they judged her harshly for her being athletic. Because she didn't have the ice princess body they didn't like her. they didn't judge the mend harshly for being athletic they just wasn't used to woman as athletic as she was.

[@zoeylong700]

I think it is dumb that they say she isn't an ice princess. You don't have to be graceful and femineme to be an ice princess.

[@kaleenaautomuniz5472]

She wasn't an ice princess, because she was an ice queen 😎✊

[@zoeylong700]

Kaleena AutoMuniz LOL!!! Totally true

[@NatashaEstrada]

Well, when she first debuted in international competition they called her the little sparrow. So she was considered an ice princess when she was younger.

[@TheFunnygym]

She's a queen

[@pinkeye00]

She was an ice GOD. Princess isn't even close to defining what she did to the sport of racist old men and women from the 20s who just won't break the mold and recognize talent for what it is ... she blew the doors off the sport, like Serena Williams (and sister) does today for tennis.

[@aesaphyr]

Lol she wasn't an ice princess, she was a total ice queen.

[@xf_art_]

aesaphyr yeee

[@omigosh7158]

Yuri! I knew they'd be one!

[@shamyshaquintaira]

your icon tho

[@cantretess2346]

ice queen who can fight rather than sitting pretty on her throne!

[@hislord1]

Lol, she couldn't compete with the other figure skaters in the moves everyone trains for, so she had to invent a new one that no one else did. Ice queen of fails, lmfao.

[@alainfitnessdoc4503]

Surya Bonaly was ahead of her time. She skated during an era of prejudice and bias in the skating world. She was a pioneer she was one of the most athletic one of the most innovative and one of the most consistent skaters I’ve ever seen. I watched her as I was growing up and I felt that she was an inspiration to me and to many other athletes but at the same time I felt sorry for her because she was in that environment.

[@mikko3]

Thats not what figure skating is about, the only prejudice person was her for not respecting the sport or culture. She wasnt ahead of her time, her moves had been done already

[@magsbayou]

​@@mikko3well she definitely made her place in history and she is one of the skaters I remember. She did share that she dealt with a lot of racism at this time. What u probably saw was her reaction to things u would not have noticed.

[@Xilenhia]

“She didn’t look like the ice princess” Me: “your right....SHES THE FUCKING ICE QUEEN!” Why did i get so many likes wtf...and also people who are disagreeing with me, that’s fine you have your opinion and i have mine

[@jeungrioppa5937]

MeeyaBeya queen Yuna, Evgenia, and Alina are the true queens of FS.

[@Chrissy_loves_animals]

MeeyaBeya Yup!! 😍😍

[@raoulbsantiago80]

MeeyaBeya yasssss! Long live the ice QUEEN!!! Lol

[@bgambie21]

Bingo!!

[@chrismiller3490]

MeeyaBeya how the fuck could judges hold that shit against her. No one else can do it!!! Those judges can eat a big dick

[@zheahra]

Being the first at anything, isn't always accepted. Ridicule comes first, praise later.

[@RHathemoment]

zheahra Very well said. :)

[@crissymac841]

say that

[@violethill4813]

Being first at anything make you better than the rest. Surya Bonaly will be remembered and still a topic of conversation long after the others have gone. History in the making!

[@rachelfreeman8237]

Backflips are very common in shows nowadays. But she is the only one to actually land it on one foot

[@NatashaEstrada]

Because it's a banned element they don't learn it. Also Surya was a tumbling champion before she skated. There was a skating star from the 50s that used to do 7 handsprings in a row on skates.

[@NatashaEstrada]

franciso7 Of course why would you do a move that gives you NO competitive advantage. It was also banned well before she did it in 1976.

[@nathalie_tim]

Elladj Balde has demonstrated it last week on the training, one foot backflip+3toeloop

[@fireflare5669]

I'm a little late, but I'm going to add in some of my knowledge. While I don't know if any female skater outside of a competition landed a backflip before Bonaly, as she landed it in an Olympic practice session in 1992, her Olympic backflip was definitely not the first one landed in a competition. Rory Flack Burghart landed one in the 1995 Rider's Ladies Championships, but that wasn't a very big competition. However, the special thing about Bonaly's backflip, as mentioned by +Rachel Freeman, was that it was landed on one foot. The reason given originally as to why backflips weren't counted as jumps is because they 'couldn't be landed on one foot' like all other jumps. So when Bonaly proved that it could be done, it was even more of an 'f you' to the judges than just doing a regular backflip.

[@kanekoshindou3128]

Natalia Tim x x

[@shelbyr2382]

I spent 2 weeks with her as a coach and she is extremely humble and always pushes us to be better

[@MyHammer111]

Wow, that must have been so cool!

[@starmar8744]

I've spent one week with her as a coach, and I absolutely agree

[@elimarc3891]

Wow... All these institutions are shit from a long time ago then hu?!

[@PriscillaAvocadoJade]

i spent 3 weeks watchiing all of her youtube videos

[@jotarokuzo]

yuri better get on her level

[@ivytran.777]

Valeria Vallejo I have found my people!! Tomrrow is Wednesday!! Ep 12!!

[@alphathot8350]

im definitely gonna cry in tomorrows episode 😭

[@celestialcinderella]

Omg yes XD

[@celestialcinderella]

+me too thanks SAME!!!!! T.T

[@abbeyl.m.3504]

Valeria Vallejo for real

[@mscardioqueen]

I remember her well. The comments from the all white judges were racially stereotypical - lack of femininity, too muscular. etc. These are the same comments they make about black women who are ballet dancers.

[@moonlightblossom]

That's why the people in the comments saying "it's not racist b/c an Asian won" is stupid. Asian women are still seen as feminine and graceful. Nearly on the same level as white women due to how much they're fetishized. BW on the other hand constantly get their womanhood challenged, especially if they're darker hued like this talented figure skater. Race definitely mattered in this situation.

[@mscardioqueen]

moonlightblossom Exactly! Couldn't agree with you more.

[@Elveganonyc]

same thing i was going to say ,thanks!!

[@hardmanemay861]

It's true. I think even if she was black but really light skinned her experience would have been wildly different.

[@TakaCanCan]

These idiots act as if black females can control how our physiques will look when we're fit and in shape, then have the audacity to complain when we aren't healthy and obese. You cant fucking win. We tend to look more muscular because our melanin defines muscle mass. Hence why body builders will get the darkest tans in order for the judges and audience to see their muscles more defined. Why is frail and thin the main thing considered feminine? It should be a woman who is healthy period. Had she been the same thin frail body type as the others they would have said that she was too plain and abnormal looking. Christ.

[@TampaTec]

0:50 that is boss. old ass judges probably could barley see how awesome that was. landing on 1 foot 👏👏👏10 !

[@hejhej8950]

It was an illegal move, nothing they could do.

[@TJ-it1bm]

It was impressive, and I'm hoping soon it will no longer be an illegal move. But there is more then just athletics to figure skating. There is also artistry, which is calculated very much in to who is a winner. She had the athletic aspect down, but had very little artistic ability. Artistry is at least half of what is judged, even in the mens skating. They couldn't exactly say, "She's not artistic and graceful, but heck she's black, so we'll give that a pass" That would be racist. Besides, in her arrogance, she figured she could do an illegal move and have it make up for a mistake concerning a legal move. The one woman on the clip had it dead on when she said she wished she would stop jumping for about six months and just learn to figure skate. So right, and the coach should have done just that.

[@jawasstolemydroid4930]

I wish there was a category in figure skating for the more gymnastic athletes on ice, but there's not. Surya Bonaly had similar problems as Tonya Harding. They're both built like athletes, both could blow everyone away with their insane jumps and tricks. But neither of them was graceful about it. They didn't have that "delicate flower on ice" appearance of the sport.

[@mckay3182]

T Judd they probably shouldn't, since it very dangerous. Just like in gymnastics, the reason why some moves are banned because it could potentially kill someone who drives themselves to do it.

[@bremCZ]

The Ohio Norsemen Exactly it's figure skating not big air. Artistry is part of the points system.

[@kevinvillaver4403]

Total BADASS!!! Those judges where just total idiots for following rules that really didn't have significance. She embraced her uniqueness and power on the ice rather than blending into the molds. She may not have won the Olympics but she made history cuz not everyone that wins gold in Olympics makes history.

[@georgiascarlett9679]

I think it's good of them to not make an excptation for her flip as it's illegal for a reason. Ice skating is one of the most dangerous sports and allowing a back flips would undeniably encourage other skaters to practice it and break their necks in practice or competition.

[@tobiisiba1641]

@@georgiascarlett9679 exactly hit your head on ice is no freaking joke.

[@KennethKetchum]

they stole the gold from her. fuck the olympics.

[@donnacoe4648]

I remember watching as a child with my mum,we used to watch every year and I remb thinking (this isn't fair) she deserved to win she was amazing!

[@mantoine9980]

Judges were very racist. This is the world we live in....they picture you to be a person of certain color.

[@Haiii_itsnanda]

I honestly feel upset not knowing about Bonaly, she seems really graceful and beautiful to me when she was skating and I truly believe she is a ice queen badass.

[@lucygirl4926]

+Alexis Morales Don't feel bad -- she wasn't promoted as much as other, more graceful skaters. However, once you saw her, you'd never forget her.

[@classychicforever]

Alexis Morales Yeah I have never heard of her too now! She seemed pretty awesome!!

[@annmariebusu9924]

lucy girl I always remember her she was so powerful. I don't remember the other ladies only the couples

[@smoothALOE]

Alexis Morales she was definitely unique and interesting to watch. In the later years of her career, she would select music from Cirque du Soleil shows, which I really enjoyed and inspired better programs for her. She was NOT graceful, by figure skating standards, though. She was a supreme athlete and skated with a ton of speed and strength, much like Tonya Harding (of the USA) or another French rival, Laetitia Hubert. By the way, Hubert was better artistically, but inferior as a technician, yet Bonaly defeated her many times at the national competitions.

[@foxymaryjane3540]

She has her own style so get over it

[@Thesinistereyes1]

the judges and the sport of figure skating has its own style of scoring so get over it. that's your own logic.

[@foxymaryjane3540]

Things change unless your stuck in a box

[@Thesinistereyes1]

Foxy MaryJane it should but in this exact moment in time she performed the rules were already set. maybe in the next olympics it changes but at that time she didnt follow the judge's criteria and she lost for a reason.

[@durkadur27]

Too bad her style is ugly, hence the never winning ever.

[@foxymaryjane3540]

durkadur27 Beauty is I the eye of the beholder

[@MsZeldasaga]

Don't see what it had to with race. The judges liked yuka sato and she wasn't white. And being graceful on the ice isn't a gender role thing, male figure skaters are graceful as well. Being gracefull on the ice is just a figure skating thing in general.

[@tayrainbow365]

MsZeldasaga it's not exactly about being white as it is about her being black. There are a lot of Asian and white figure skates but black figure skaters are few and far between. She was right when she said that black people have to work a lot harder than white people to get recognition

[@brandonbowers7876]

MsZeldasaga Is favoring the asian race over the black race somehow not racist? "It's not that black and white"

[@brandonbowers7876]

***** I was asking as a rhetorical question, but thanks for agreeing with me homie

[@SplitxHeart]

I agree with that. She is an outstanding athlete no doubt, seeing what kind of moves she can pull off on the ice, unmatched by other female skaters or male skaters. Still, the judging in figure skating always consisted of two aspects: Technique and Presentation Her techniques are amazing, but her presentation is so rough and hard. Watching videos of her skating makes you loose your mind in how much she can do in one routine (like hell that woman has stamina), but when I watched her I cheered for her like I'd cheer on a football team. When watching figure skating I am usually more captivated by the presentation. Sorry, for me figure skating is more than just a sport, its an art form.

[@MsZeldasaga]

SplitxHeart yes exactly. She is an incredible athlete but she is better suited for a different sport.

[@amels4620]

I was living in Germany during her peak years. CNN International use to cover her quite often. She was cheated from gold's on several occasions. Many analyst admitted this. Look at her events; compare with her "competition"; conclusion if you are fair. She was robbed...point blank period. Surya, I've always admired your courage during those times.

[@gloria7876]

Surya Bonaly lost to other skaters because of poor edges and technique. She could jump because of her gymnastics training.

[@bbyg4831]

she is fucking I C O N I C, she wrote history with that trick.

[@catherinem7155]

bby g exactly, it was a trick and tricks don't win competitions.

[@carlhern5176]

Catherine Murphy she's a legend

[@burritosenpai5890]

Catherine Murphy exactly,if she gets hurt,then what?

[@thematt5325]

She shook up a stuffy sport and made it interesting, fun, and less predictable. She's a pioneer of figure skating.

[@clairekoutras392]

That is what I want to do with skating, I want to make it more open

[@mikko3]

Pioneer by doing a banned move? Backflips werent special, no one did them because they were banned since the 70's.

[@DrRDW]

​@@mikko3backflips landing on 1 leg is special. Do you know the amount of strength it takes to do something like that on ice? Most can't do a backflip on grass.

[@mikko3]

@@DrRDW "Do you know the amount of strength it takes to do something like that on ice?" Backflips are quite easy and alot of skaters can do it, very common in exhibitions and shows where they have been performed atleast since the 60's please...

[@soso694]

​@@mikko3 I love how you keep ignoring that she landed on one foot which is a completely different and harder skill than landing on two feet. She did something male figure skaters couldn't even do and you're conveniently ignoring that because you're pressed. Cry more lmao.

[@uniquelong4742]

Thats whats wrong with this world everyone is trying to stick to "tradition" rather than to accept people who are different and if we never do that then how can we grow?

[@globaldreaming1232]

Unique Long Grow to what?!

[@uniquelong4742]

Global Dreaming grow as people, people of all nations be informed, continue to learn, gain wisdom and knowledge and become optimistic... grow.

[@globaldreaming1232]

Unique Long 😊awww!! that was nice.

[@uniquelong4742]

LiGht YaGami then why did i get 36 likes?

[@uniquelong4742]

LiGht YaGami you are just being negative please go and be negative elsewhere .

[@entropy8000]

It wasn’t about race but she says that “when you’re black you have to do better than everyone who is white.” Who else had the same thought?

[@detroitcity27]

In other words.its about race.of course it is

[@n.zinhle4391]

@@detroitcity27 not race but misconceptions

[@detroitcity27]

I guess you dont know what that word means.but ok.

[@n.zinhle4391]

@@detroitcity27 you've never been black so you don't know that everything isn't about race or blamed on it.

[@KenyanBunnie]

I remember the talk my mom had with me before school one morning, an it was just that...you’re black, and you have to work three times as hard as your white classmates. I was in elementary school. I think this is a talk many black parents, especially immigrant black parents have with their kids at a very young age.

[@chrissyb2473]

No, Bonaly wasn't an "Ice Princess", she was an "Ice Queen"!!!

[@katrinaligas4491]

nice

[@lavendersage966]

I would appear so

[@pacifiquembaraga5560]

what is the difference between these two? Ice Princess and Ice Queen, and what are the qualifications of becoming either one and who is the most valuable?

[@sonatamoon8187]

Pacifique Mbaraga I want to believe that an ice princess would be a skater who embodies kindness, grace, and beauty through their skating, someone who makes you feel suddenly very light or fantastical(main word: fantasy). An ice queen would not only embody beauty and grace, but also power and confidence, giving off the energy that might make you want to punch something, but for a good cause. I feel as if they're both extremely valuable, but it depends on your preference when seeing which one means more to you. That's my interpretation.

[@cush6827]

What a stupid voice over. She did her backflips way before 1998. The Nagano footage was her LAST olympic performance ever when she knew she would never compete again and go into show sports. There she did the backflip and ended with her back to the judges to express her anger for their years of thinly veiled racism.

[@Tan87ful]

Cush exactly

[@marionardailloux6553]

It was the first time she managed to land on one foot

[@eme.261]

@@marionardailloux6553 - Get your facts correct. Surya had landed the backflip on one foot during the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic - Exhibition. She chose not to do it during competitions, as it was deemed illegal (too dangerous). She could do the flip with her eye closed. Here's a video of her performing the flip during 1994 Lillehammer Olympic - Exhibition at 3:48 and again at 4:50: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3K1ZWifZZeImJo

[@roxyroxelle]

@@eme.261 She was there with Tonya and Shmancy(Nancy-but i hate her)?

[@izabella7174]

@@roxyroxelle yeah

[@perlitabonita2506]

They need to make a movie 🎥 of this beautiful queen 👑

[@mimalho]

I'm French and remember at the time how frustrated people were to see her struggle in the eyes of the judges. She was insanely famous here because everyone loved her unique style.

[@PHlophe]

Moi aussi je m'en souviens. wasn't the media shading Suzann Bonaly too by calling her a witch ? people were pretty awful to her.

[@TheMelopeus]

I personally don't like a tank on ice. I associate ice scating with balet. It's something so exquisite and elegant.

[@PennyPennyPennyPennyPenny]

I remember her showing up on the French ice skating team several times and I remember thinking that she was badass and that France seem pretty awesome for sending an athletic. daredevil into the ice rink with a bunch of snow princesses. she was never the most graceful but she had style and I always admired her for it.

[@tosinojo7310]

@@TheMelopeus i can bet my last dollar that you are a tank yourself. be kind to yourself

[@5feetaway326]

You know you've been watching to much yuri on ice videos when these sort of videos come in your recommendation

[@Random-jl4jh]

I know right XD

[@mawcha]

Livingdeadanimefreak just don't mix YOI with real skating.

[@thegrlnxt6838]

Livingdeadanimefreak same

[@BasilVT]

@Reinii_ Right, even though that's the exact thing it portrays.... Not gonna lie, I've recently decided to watch the anime, since I saw so many people posting about it recently on ice skating videos. It does a fantastic job at capturing the feeling real people get and even the mistakes people make, the scoring, artistry, etc. All of it is very articulated, just like real ice skaters. So, I see no issue with people mixing YOI with real ice skating. It should be something the ice skating community is proud of, not only that it portrays the sport so well, but that it's grown publicity to it as well.

[@lisanguyen6324]

Believe it or not, a lot of real life skaters have fallen in love with the show, for the same reasons! So I think it's a great means for people to understand the sport better.

[@kikiza123]

she isn't an ice princess she's the ice queen

[@meldoycheong21]

AnnaOverThere agree,!

[@riseandshine11]

preach anna..preach! let's just appreciate Art itself.

[@Geotubest]

Love her. THAT's real talent. Real athleticism. Real grace. Shame on the judges for not recognizing how far ahead of the curve she was. She redefined what skating can be.

[@mikko3]

It's not its joining a space and not respecting the sport or culture. Figure skating isnt about power

[@alexreidzero1357]

Then that its y its not popular compars to other sports,lack of creativity ​@@mikko3

[@rengoku-san4335]

I'd rather see this badassery anytime than those boring routines.

[@mywigflew6465]

Yes. I have to admit sometimes I get sleepy watching those boring routines. I would love to see a backflip.

[@mckay3182]

Knuckle Bine would you also like to see people killing themselves attempting this move?

[@bmona7550]

Lily Exposes She meant having variety in in an otherwise closed minded "feminine" ettiquite rules of figure skating judges

[@mckay3182]

BMO na sorry, "badassery" like this usually ends with someone being taken away in a stretcher. The reason why routines are like this is because they are safe, but showcase the power of a skater

[@Tan87ful]

Exactly 💯💯👏🏽👏🏽

[@kupotenshi]

She would be more suited to compete in gymnastics than figure skating. I think the "art" part of figure skating is really important, like it is in ballet. And in every sport you gotta follow the rules. Still, she's amazing that backflip on ice is crazy.

[@rawrs2849]

Yeah! She's awesome and all, but as soon as it says she favoured athleticism over artistry... uh, no :( It's just skating then. What makes figure skating fun to watch over and over is the artistry.

[@lucygirl4926]

+rawrs Yup -- you are absolute right! Sure, the jumps are very cool, but it's the way these skaters glide around the ice that seems, oh-I-dont-know, so magical. Grace eluded Bonaly.

[@whatreallymatters571]

kupotenshi There's no rule that says she has to be pretty and graceful. She can be whatever the fuck she wants to be and do whatever the fuck she wants. She was the best but like always white supremacy likes to screw people of Colorado over especially if they are black.

[@awestning4317]

WhatReallyMatters She wasn't the best

[@aglayamajorem9546]

WhatReallyMatters If you apply this mindset with other sports, then you're not fit to be part of any. There are rules in sports and standards to earn their merits.

[@torrentXofXdarkness]

She is an ice goddess, ice princess ain't got shit on a goddess

[@drewr4242]

Mermaid Motel Took the words right out my mouth.

[@aramassmith]

For the judge to say "She doesn't skate like other skaters because the sound of Her skates on the ice sounds SCRATCHY compared to other skaters on the ice", yeah that sounds like they were totally judging Bonaly fairly (sarcasm for the slower ones). Wether it was race, complexion, or sex that played a roll point of the matter it seemed as if She was nit picked at and maybe Had She been a male competitor their would have been a greater appreciation for Her originality and athleticism. People here agreeing with judges excuses of She didn't fit into this graceful ice skater routine I feel are judging unfairly because throughout history things have been made greater by inovaters and People willing to take chances to step outside the box. I hope that in the present She doesn't look back at Her career and feel it not a worthy success because it wasn't always rewarded as it may have deserved at times Because She may have already inspired some young people and as long as the history is recorded and there for future generations to witness Her legacy will always remain inspire and may inspire a future figure skating superstar.

[@kateholcomb3823]

Scratchy skating means you’re skating on your toe pics. Still to this day you can get deductions for skating on your toes instead of using your knees to bend into the ice. shes still a beautiful skater tho

[@noraunhappy]

No she was making a point about Bonaly’s footwork being weaker than other skaters.

[@yoongyas]

If her era was NOW I think she'd be a crowd favourite.

[@TT-hq2cf]

ikr the crowds would go ABSOLUTELY WILD if she did a flip like that. I would've at least

[@noraunhappy]

@@TT-hq2cf they did then too. Backflips are crowd pleasers, it’s why you see them in exhibition and show skating a lot. But they’re illegal in competition for a reason and she knew she was gonna lose points for it.

[@luffyskywalker7549]

The back flip is an illegal move because people aren't talented enough to do it.

[@addisondobbins2184]

Luffy SkyWalker no it's because it's super dangerous

[@lexilex297]

Addison Dobbins Yet she completed a dangerous move, not only that but she added her own twist to it so she should've at least gotten credit for that.

[@typemoon4894]

Lacie Ashlyn by giving her points for the backflips, you'd be condoning the dangerous practice which will eventually lead to someone getting hurt or worse, paralyzed/die.

[@smolrambutan2451]

A lot of male skater do it on ice shows though

[@bessietaylor2819]

Luffy SkyWalker You are one hundred percent correct.

[@JY-dh7mk]

It's only illegal because no one else can do it, same type of shit when the Williams sisters broke out...

[@yourfriendlyneighbourhoodw4329]

oh yagelnizzle may want to educate yourself before commenting. Its the same in snowboarding, for women to do flips its LIFE THREATNING. Due to the nature of the bone structure we have a much higher change than men of literally snapping our necks and dying. Its illegal because lifes would be at risk, not some petty reason. Do some research before talking please.

[@SKYBRITE27]

The backflip is considered an illegal figure skating move. It can be done in exhibitions and in professional ice skating competitions, but the backflip will not receive credit and a skater will receive deductions (or be disqualified) if the move is performed in eligible amateur figure skating competitions.Aug 6, 2017

[@JY-dh7mk]

SKYBRITE and...

[@cassif19]

please be Reasonable "Speak for your race"... Really? The fact that she managed to make that move doesn't mean it wasn't dangerous for her. If white and black people should not be forced to obey the same rules in sports, because of physical differences then we should just segregate them completely during competitions. Oh, wait, THAT would actually be racist.

[@jonathanwilliams1268]

cassi farcas That's not racist.....

[@killsammi1737]

The hate she faced is disgusting. Everyone who judged her style and skating viewpoint can suck it! This woman is not only beautiful, but is absolutely incredible. Her skating and style is phenomenal and diverse. I’m proud to say she changed history and left a mark worth celebrating. Kudos to her for everything she is and has done!

[@Gocrazygiogio]

how many yuri on ice do you have to watch to see this in your recommendations

[@justagirl1245]

unicorns are what happen when lay hip thrusts One lol (for me)

[@Kyuushi94]

unicorns are what happen when lay hip thrusts Not much, evidently! I haven't gotten into that show yet, but this came up in my recommended just today!

[@katreptilian3866]

oml yes Now all my reccomendations are about Ice Skating lol

[@Darksin757Production]

None.

[@alannahlapenna5440]

how about you guys stick to watching amvs and stop flooding these videos with stupid comments like these

[@behappiness6544]

she is not princess she is goddess of ice . the queen of ice .

[@msscreenwriter]

Bonaly was amazing, point-blank, period. She deserves to be remembered as one of the most amazing skaters, ever.

[@mikko3]

For making a banned backflip? Only people who are amazed by this are culture vultures

[@honeyhya_1119]

I guess the world has a hard time excepting something as beatiful without it being within their own standards (kinda sad). I liked her skating! She seemed like she was having a bit of fun while doing it!

[@durkadur27]

That's like a ballerina getting on stage and starts doing Karate, are you going to give her a winning score? It's not even the correct sport.

[@shenell1988]

A Aitken It's cool that she was making a name for herself by going outside of the box and being different.

[@shenell1988]

durkadur27 it's nothing wrong with being different and trying something new.

[@durkadur27]

Tiffany Thrower That's like going to a rock concert and finding out everyone sings opera.

[@ewelinakarpinska83]

But she didn't start playing ice hockey or something, it was still ice skating, just dofferent from what people expected. Ice skating doesnt have to be "feminine" Or "seductive". It can be strong and jumpy. That is not a different sport, just a different style.

[@hypnotherapy69]

the skater who beat her wasn't white either... just sayin...

[@alexlewis5526]

hypnotherapy69 really...? What color was she?

[@meibuni84]

Alex Lewis she was asian lmao

[@potatoprince1948]

her skin color was fucking white

[@mr.popohere1645]

i guess you can say... she's a history maker

[@mr.popohere1645]

sorry for my bad yuri on ice joke

[@mr.popohere1645]

sorry for my bad yuri on ice joke

[@LadyKnightEllen]

Oh, you beautiful angel.

[@meghanair1706]

Mr. Popohere 😂👏👏

[@raspberry8865]

It wasn’t bad it was beautiful

[@raisamfv01]

This video brought tears to my eyes because this beautiful woman deserved to be the winner, she deserved more than a 1st place. How could they did such a thing of placing her in a second place? But I am sure of 1 thing, she made history. Today no one remember who the others are, but everybody knows who she is.

[@2phonebabykeem913]

Judges:Hey you're not that good Figure skater: *does backflip* Judges:Lol jk plz don't hurt me

[@janedoe2299]

K Don't drink bleach

[@nataliam450]

Jane Doe what is tHiS COmMeNT

[@janedoe2299]

Natalia M @ Judges pic

[@arturia-leafgreen5127]

okay this woman is fucking awesome and this video has opened my eyes up to how toxic and racist the expectations surrounding female figure skating are. I think women should be able to as aggressive and and strong and athletic as they want to be. Not just are these traits incredibly impressive but they have just as much potential for artistry and meaning as more "traditionally feminine" ones.

[@addisondobbins2184]

Arturia-Leaf Green I would say more toxic then racist. Figure skating is similar to ballet where they rather prefer someone graceful and thin the strong and passionate. It has nothing to do with race but more with how you present yourself. She wasn't given the points Because she did illegal moves and she wasn't thin and focused more of her jumps. Other figure skaters focus more on the show and music then the actual moves.

[@arturia-leafgreen5127]

Addison Dobbins well i just think shes awesome and y'know racism is pretty toxic so I can probably replace either of those words with the other

[@lenc99]

I do agree with no more racism but i have no problem with the figure skating today. I mean it is the mix of art and sport. And the sound of skating really affect the points it show how smooth the skating is.

[@sebastianlugo5781]

Arturia-Leaf Green Uh, as a male figure skater, I can say we're held to similar standards. We're meant to be lithe not only for looks but to propel yourself into the air with excess muscle or fat is incredibly hard, even by ten pounds. She was exceptional and a true inspiration but it's unfair to call the judges racist because she thought she could only win on tricks. If you watch a lot of gold medalists, their performance will look like it's a part of the music. While she did this sometimes, it wasn't nearly frequent enough. With anything in life you need to understand and appreciate the traditional parts before you go changing everything and one of the basic rules of skating is that tricks can only get you so far. Regardless of her size or muscle she could have easily displayed more grace and movement with the song, but she didn't.

[@zandzgallardo8404]

Nikolai Lugo - I agree. Your perspective gives everyone food for thought. In any field of endeavor, there is a framework or discipline that becomes the foundation of everything else we do before we can truly revolutionize or innovate.

[@johncastro39]

Ice skating was boring until she stepped on the ice.

[@Tan87ful]

john castro exactly

[@SobrietyandSolace]

This reminded me so much of feeling incredibly uncomfortable and out of place in ballet lessons to the point I quit a year in. I was constantly told my butt stuck out too much... I have always had a more athletic muscular figure, too. They said it at the end but as soon as I saw the title, I said to myself 'of course, when you're black you have to OVERperform in order to catch people's attention or surpass their expectations'. People are always SURPRISED at my intelligence, artistic ability, equestrianism, piano-playing, that I'm well-spoken etc. I once had a friend's mother watch me eat then congratulate me on having fucking table manners. Every compliment is quietly finished with '...for a black person'. When you're black you always feel the need to impress people or prove them wrong. You start being obsessively over polite, quiet and subservient to not play up to the negative stereotypes. You feel under constant scrutiny and that if you don't excel, it is a poor reflection on your entire race. It's fucking stressful.

[@czarjhaypi]

lol Japanese skaters struggled, too. Case in point - Midori Ito. She was very athletic and not ballerina-esque. However, she was the first woman to land a triple-triple jump combination and a triple axel in competition.

[@crystalallen10]

Being a black female I was truly inspired 😍

[@durkadur27]

Truly inspired to break rules and never win? Why are you such a racist by the way? Like, no one gives a fuck if you're black.

[@kaylawalker4475]

durkadur27 Wtf is wrong with you?

[@durkadur27]

Alison Lake Wtf is wrong with you? Bitch ass race baiter.

[@Itsyagirlbigtay]

I think he's upset that you shine brightly👑

[@durkadur27]

Taylor Griffin She black, she hides in the night. Quite the opposite of shining brightly I'm afraid.

[@ilyenadamodred9834]

Bonaly was indeed badass. But it makes sense that she didn't win, ice skating is more than technical elements, it's also about grace and fluid transitions and artistic performance etc. The way media treated her and how people spoke about her was definitely influenced by racism though.

[@kristin123a]

Yes, you could maybe think of it as rhythmic gymnastics, and what she did was more like artistic gymnastics or acrobatics.

[@gricecream]

Ilyena Damodred it's like cheerleading. more dance than athletic skills.

[@maimai1151]

I remember how much I loved her as young child. I'm French, and I'm mixed black. And back then life at school was miserable because of racism. Seeing her on TV, so strong and beautiful and all... that was huge for me !

[@varoonnone7159]

I had stones thrown at me calling me a tchingchong and when they found out where I live, they broke my window shouting "the chinese" All my racist aggressors were black and north african

[@jasminenewson5004]

you're wrong she wasn't ice princess or ice Queen she was an Ice Goddess

[@TheMelopeus]

She was more like the ice version of an sovietic tank. I personally don't like how she performs and i can understand the judges. It feels stiff.

[@勇利さん]

She had a unique style of skating but she was not that good.

[@johnfredrik5345]

TheMelopeus Lol! You fucking racist bitch. I'm glad a talent like her will never have to associate with fuck faces like yourself.

[@勇利さん]

john ko marvel why is it that the first thing you’re talking about is race. Her skating is bad. Not only that but you praise her for performing an illegal move that could have injured her. Not only that but her skating was stiff and she still couldn’t perform some basic moves. Figure skating is about grace and power, not a bunch of complex tricks. Get it through your head and stop letting race rule your life

[@johnfredrik5345]

勇利さん 😂😂 Her skating was bad? That must be why she got so much praise than lol! You fucked up human being. I'm not even going to continue with fucked up people like you. Goodbye. :)

[@SDoesNotKnow]

This video is a very real example of people understanding real things like racism, but misapplying it in situations. Application of a theory is just as important as learning it. So many people don't understand this sport but they don't care to as long as they can rant and rave because it fits their worldview that allows them to be perpetually angry and superior.

[@brandonbowers7876]

SDoesNotKnow Or maybe we see the same thing over and over, but whenever we call it out there are people in the comments who say "even though racism exists, that's not the case here". But when there are people deflecting and defending for every video that easily fits the pattern of, yes unsubstantiated, but clearly factorial perpetuations of (presumably unintentional) covert racism. I guess for me, I don't see a problem in examining every single situation because the conversation needs to continue.

[@SDoesNotKnow]

Except people are engaging in intellectual dishonesty in order to make a point that may not apply. Of course life is not cut and dry and to say racism plays no part is stupid as people don't compartmentalize their prejudices, including racism. That said, so many people don't even know figure skating or even watched the 1994 World Championships or either Surya Bonaly's performance or Yuka Sato's performance but still vehemently argue that Bonaly was robbed. That is a clear showing that some people care more about the argument than the facts. It is not fair to Yuka Sato, a real person and one of the pioneers of putting Asian faces in figure skating (for those who don't know much about figure skating, which seems to be plenty in this comments section, Asians were not always so numerous in this sport), and it undermines the argument that institutional racism exists and results in a backlash like a Trump presidency. People need to be much more conscientious and a lot less lazy and quick to judge before they get all the facts straight.

[@brandonbowers7876]

SDoesNotKnow Thank you for elaborating. I see your point and agree with you. I wish more people on the Internet knew how to respond so thoughtfully.

[@Mamasita5678]

Black girl magic💕 shes a queen🔥

[@Amy-ke6og]

okay but yall know her name and continue to say black figure skater

[@KellySmith555]

She is my new hero.

[@aceatkins191]

😇i love it😇

[@pheart2381]

she was remarkable,cant believe she never got gold. the stuffy judges wernt up to the challenge of judging a unique dancer.

[@ladyjsmooth9174]

P Heart Come on now. You know why.

[@lytra_]

After watching Yuri on Ice I keep getting ice skating videos in my recommended

[@amazon2219]

Lytra Omg same!!!

[@see6888]

Lytra same

[@xchiise]

Lytra me too bruh

[@cinsoring6598]

Lytra yeah same

[@keyflr]

Same

[@jdrosy4414]

She owned that ice. In a class of her own. Performing those backflips so effortlessly, absolutely an amazing skater!! 👍😊

[@djkush8495]

I usually root for the ice to win, but this one was different.

[@jdrosy4414]

@@djkush8495 🤭🤭🤭

[@mikko3]

In a class of her own? You right disrespecting the sport by doing banned moves

[@nataliakarlik6107]

jumper more likely

[@thejellyfisher5009]

Doing a blackflip and landing on 1 foot should be recorded in history.

[@janepierce5770]

Andre Droideka exactly like why haven't we heart more of bonaly!

[@creating1_c1999]

She will definitely be remembered...

[@izzy.sylvestre3105]

SParkApCider did she pass?

[@evelynezachary4310]

it is sad because she's black I have never heard of this until I watch it on KZbin.

[@mefford67]

I was in complete awe of this young woman’s athletic talent. She made watching figure skating exciting!

[@Racheljohnsoooon]

CAN YOU HEAR... MY HEART BEAT?!?!?!?!?!!!?!

[@rurascarlet6544]

Phanic at my chemical fall out low Piløts YES AND ITS BREAKING BECAUSE VICTUURI IS SOMEWHAT SINKING AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT THURSDAY SFAAFHSJSFGAHAJSHJSS

[@pennymikk]

IF YOI DOESNT END WELL I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL GO TO JAPAN TO TALK TO THE DIRECTOR I AINT KIDDINGGGG

[@Kerokerroppi_1122]

Ermenegilda Ostrogotti yuuri will lose and the 2nd season is about his retirement but victor will pursue him to join again LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL guess there'll be a 3rd season to wait for

[@Shandykey]

but like Yuri has to do this move lmao

[@pennymikk]

Czeslaw Crimson no one wants a second season.

[@Tunenine]

Ok, let's just say it out loud, we know why she didn't win first place...

[@jacobbo-lee6107]

She wasn’t Asian enough?

[@MS-ez8sm]

​@@jacobbo-lee6107, more like she wasn't white enough for the judges. Although I do think race plays a small part in this.

[@iamunique1792]

@@MS-ez8sm and her physical appearance sunce apparently she didn't look like the "ice princess "

[@Skitdora2010]

@@MS-ez8sm Did you know that asian is not white? Or are you to racist to understand what race is?

[@MS-ez8sm]

@@Skitdora2010 Um no. I know there is a difference between white people and Asians (what a weird question to ask) . In fact, a racist would know this as well or else there wouldn’t be such as thing as racism don’t you think?

[@VitaminMePlease]

Damn, like can we just exist?? *Her skates are too scratchy...* Like WOWWW. People are just not okay with her being black :(. This is so upsetting.

[@morgansmits704]

VitaminMePlease well actually having a scratchy sounding program shows that you are on the wrong parts of your blade (mostly the toe picks) they usually want to hear crisp turns and a tearing noise on the ice. The tearing noise usually shows that you are a powerfull skater who is really into your knees and pushing.

[@raoulbsantiago80]

Love her... one of the most memorable “figure skaters”

[@beckyhenkel7917]

She is the one you can't forget.

[@anastasiahagey5674]

I much prefer athleticism over artistry to be honest because ALOT of skating routines all look the same and I really can't tell the difference tbh its boring. I think she is amazing and a rule breaker I love it! This is entertainment!

[@taielg4757]

Anastasia Takis like wtf u r talking about! All races are like 6 ppl running in a straight line or jumping a stick all dressed up with the same stuff. Athleticism looks the same all the time, skating maybe but only in front of the eyes of an ignorant about the topic

[@anastasiahagey5674]

Taiel G were all allowed to have our own opinions. You really didn't have to bring mine down and call me ignorant because you don't agree with me. I'm sorry you felt the need to do so when I was trying to support the skater in this video and what she has accomplished. I never implied that I knew everything about skating lol but if you would like me to clarify for you again I was talking about skating routines specifically that I have seen vs what I have seen that she has done with hers and not races or whatever else. This is just my preference and doesn't have to be yours also.

[@CarmelaBE]

I've only been a skating fan for about 3 years now, and in my opinion artistry and athleticism go hand in hand. Most gold medalists win because they can do their routine jumps and flips on ice while interpreting their pieces/music like they're dancing. 😊

[@mehwhyausername1]

I prefer skaters who can blend their artistry and athleticism into each of their expressive figures, and into the full routine as a whole.

[@iloveubut]

All routines looking the same is what happens when you put athleticism over artistry

[@KittyPieIsCrayCray]

I am so proud to have met Bonaly and skate on the same ice as her.

[@zahraab5165]

an ARMY huh ARMYs are everywhere and ur so lucky to have met the ice Queen!!!!!!!!!!!! i have always wanted to do skating but never get the chance to...;~;

[@vivian4119]

KawaiiBootay YOU MET THE ICE QUEEN YOURSELF!?

[@KittyPieIsCrayCray]

SpookleMoon Yeah, her mother works at ice rink I go to, and a few times I talked to her.

[@cinsoring6598]

KawaiiBootay oh that's so cool (also I like your icon, it got some jams)

[@alicea364]

YOU DID??? DO YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA?? sorry, I get excited when Something relates to my state...

[@Kyuukoks]

Well she may not be a princess, but surely SHE'S A QUEEEEEN~

[@antonvanderbatez6015]

Kokila Mandlam kweens and sheittt

[@Tan87ful]

Exactly 💯💯👏🏽👏🏽

[@pastelpepe]

49jubilee who the fuck are you?

[@oh-totoro]

The thing is, she's not the only person capable of doing it. It's just that ice skaters simply do not do it because they know it's an illegal move that they will get docked points for.

[@sewergoblins4843]

boi not even Victor can do that what are you doing

[@a.j.dorks3650]

trashcan't nice profile pic👌

[@kianamojica3959]

LMAOOO

[@belalugosi_isdead]

teoovon Brendon? That's true though lol

[@gwihan]

😂 maybe we could see it in the second season

[@comino2234]

teoovon With the power of animation everything is posible c:

[@LlamaDrama142]

Daamn, what a beast. She deserved so much more praise.

[@LiveConcertJunkie]

Gannicus of Rome she won like 5 European championships and second in THE OLYMPICS. She was definitely praised

[@akaashisbtch4138]

I do believe that she is a total rebel and standards could be change. I love how she did not hesistate to be who she is. Everyone is allowed to express themselves and if she express herself in that manner who are they to stop her? Doesn't mean someone does not fit your standard or the tradition does not men you should pull that person down their level.

[@jawasstolemydroid4930]

I wish there was a part of the competition that involved mainly just the tricks, not the dance. I don't want that to dominate the sport, but it would give more athletic skaters a chance to show their stuff. That being said, there's a movement within the organization to keep skating "pure." Which is to say: Be sweet, dainty, tiny, and light on your feet like a little ballerina. This sports seems more about who you are rather than just how good you are.

[@jawasstolemydroid4930]

No problem! I enjoy the sport! (fun, super basic, was never competitive or even good.) But I still love to watch now and then. Either way, I support it. :)

[@clara-nt9rx]

This is not a class presentation its professional sports people work their ass off to get into they dont just change rules on the spot

[@ChickenPermissionOG]

express yourself all you want just don't expect to win.

[@sharonboggs8003]

I have never forgotten the first time I saw her do a back flip and land on one foot. I couldn't care less about scores; she'll always be a sports hero to me.

[@mikko3]

Of course because you are a culture vulture like her who doesnt respect the sport or culture

[@misha745]

She was one of the people I looked forward to seeing back when I would watch figure skating. I also feel like I remembered her getting points taken away because she properly wear her tights.

[@BahamaWynters]

Oh, yes, she would get 1 point deduction for those tights. Now, it's no longer a sin and is done frequently by skaters. Bonaly took the heat and the lost points.

[@latranquilagr28]

I remember watching her skating she was wonderful the judges were nasty and I dont blame her for being pissed

[@VictoriaSadoh]

That explains why I never have heard of her, she was a rebel.

[@durkadur27]

Or maybe because she was bad?

[@ArienUndomiel]

Victoria Sadoh She sucked major ass as a figure skater.

[@ampocalypsew3883]

durkadur27 how?

[@ampocalypsew3883]

durkadur27 I see someone thinking outside the box and expressing herself

[@durkadur27]

Ampocalypse W Not everyone has a critical eye.

[@coryo2485]

I remember when she did the backflip. I was jealous. I can't stand on ice without landing my ass but here she is doing backflips, landing on one foot. I'm just glad notthing ever went wrong on landing and she landed it perfectly and beautifully. She was grateful and an artist in her own unique way. Glad she didn't look like the typical figure skater. This woman had it on lock.

[@ndiekwere6027]

bad ass for sure

[@Tan87ful]

Ndi EKWERE agreed 💯💯👏🏽👏🏽

[@pinkfluffyunicorn3660]

She was on her own level. They can't compare herself with anyone!

[@jeungrioppa5937]

Pink Fluffy Unicorn well if people are fur she’s the queen, she’s against evgenia, Alina, and yuna. And she’s no where near.

[@Tan87ful]

Exactly

[@damidevil5257]

Haha why is it assumed to be about race? She did an illegal move. It wasn't counted toward her score so she suffered point wise. That wasn't about race or gender.

[@MadMax-ot7kc]

still awesome though , how she did it ... ^_^

[@Gatomon2009]

The move was actually considered illegal because it's dangerous and could damage the ice. The rule specifically listed what was considered a back flip- and specified that it was landed on TWO skates, because that's the only way anyone had ever done it. A technicality meant that if you landed it on one skate - something literally no one had ever managed to accomplish ever - it would be LEGAL. This is why people wanted the judges to score her on the history-making move.

[@RenRen2453]

MsWikit I understanding that point. I guess when they wrote the rules they never expect the one foot landing backflip. Judges were correct for not scoring that move, because they should not encourage the normalization of a move that has so much potential harm to those who may want to attempt in the future

[@Kayla-in6yq]

Lalalalala2453 gtfoh. how would it be her fault if other skaters tried it? She's not responding for anyone but her self.

[@RenRen2453]

Kay Plumms no need to be mad. I'm just saying that certain moves are banned for a reason. And just because she did it doesn't mean the rule should be changed. Read about other banned moves in gymnastics and the history of injuries behind them and you'll understand why some moves are banned

[@benjamincastle3469]

Im a street skateboarder and Rollerblader and those tricks shes doing look insanely good. What an amazing woman.

[@Angel77300]

she s been junior world champion of tumbling, that s why sh e s so good.

[@OlgaLevin]

Cedric L I always wondered if she was ever in gymnastics.

[@yoopergirl735]

I remember watching her, she was amazing! I remember how shocked we were that she did not win. She did in our hearts though.

[@SMV1199]

Sure she was obviously amazing but I don't think the fact that she didn't place higher was because she was black... figure skating has a basis on which it is judged and her decision to stand out and be more edgy and harsh in her skating went against what judges were looking for. I can't expect to go into a classical singing competition and expect to score high if I belt everything like a pop singer. And impressive or not the backflip move was illegal so of course the judges weren't going to count it...

[@ronnieconner259]

I know she wasn't as graceful as the other skaters but I admired her athletic and technical ability. I loved her costumes and her ability to be herself rather than be what someone else wanted her to be. She had a wonderful career in my opinion. Winning the French figure skating title 9 times, 3 time World silver medalist, 5 time European champion. Also 3 Olympics finishing 4th, 5th, and 10th. That there shows you how accomplished she was.

[@mikko3]

She would of won more if she respected the sport and culture

[@pedronalon3676]

THESE JUDGES DON'T DESERVE TO BE JUDGES. Only that

[@zerwnya445]

Yes you've been searching for Yuri on ice videos until this popped up in your recommendation list, admit it boi ;)

[@maxeve3330]

Oops... You caught me

[@kandykannibal9630]

Boiled potatoes yeah..... was watching yuzuru hanyu actually loll

[@mf9998]

Boiled potatoes me too I admit

[@signoramybeloved4308]

My recommendation box: Buzzfeed and Yuri on ice

[@mollan_]

Crap You're onto me

[@louloutre]

I think being black was more of an advantage.... there's something fascinating about a black woman ice-skating. The contrast of the black skin and the white ice is very aesthetic in itself. It bothers me that we can't criticize a black performer because they automatically pull the racism card. Im not an iceskating pro, but it's pretty obvious it wasn't exaggerated to say that she was more about athletics and technique than "dancing on ice". She was very good technically, but I still think she lacked grace.

[@dkalbryte5715]

She's stunning ...as for grace? I think she had her own style of fierce grace. Always my fav skater ever. Love a rebel with heart.