Surya Bonaly's Backflip | Official Clip | Losers | Netflix

Surya Bonaly shocked the figure skating world with her illegal, now-iconic backflip - this is how she remembers that infamous moment.
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Surya Bonaly's Backflip | Official Clip | Losers | Netflix
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[@missybarbour6885]

Nothing is more iconic than being told "You can't backflip because all jumps have to be landed on one foot" and then learning to land a back flip on one foot.

[@Femmefatale32000]

Absolutely!!😁😃

[@adora1308]

she is MADNESS ❤️❤️😩

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

It was like a big: "F**ck you!!!!" to the judges.

[@monohina1997]

Kelly ann kanye I hate that saying so much. Why let someone else control you rather than doing something about it? Create competitions you know you can win

[@missybarbour6885]

"Let"? Buddy, do you think systematic oppression is a choice? Sir?

[@MoneyStory52]

She did it because she had nothing to lose. The judges wouldn't reward her anyway, so she entertained to her heart's content. You go girl!

[@MrForeverBean]

*May I know why the judges wouldn't reward her?*

[@tashaminaj6619]

Herminigilda Walang Dangal because she is black and dark skinned that’s why!!! RACISM AT ITS BEST !!!!

[@tashaminaj6619]

Facts

[@MoneyStory52]

@@MrForeverBean The history showed that they were biased.

[@Noah-ws8ho]

@@MrForeverBean In this particular case, because the move was already *explicitly banned*, before the competition. I don't think there's any instance of the sport where someone got score for performing a banned move. But, she knew that, also knew that she wasn't a contender for a medal regardless (since she already made mistakes earlier), so, she decided to show everyone what made her the legendary skater she is, instead of caring about the score.

[@Francis-qf2hr]

That wasn't just a backflip... That's a legendary middle finger...

[@Jdawnsha]

Right 😅❤

[@ToePick]

Toller Cranston WISHED he was this bold.

[@Bronzebk]

You stated that so perfectly...

[@MaximeDELRIEU]

You damn right!

[@IAmJaguarPaw.ThisIsMyForest.]

Laughing out loud. YES!

[@nightmarefanatic1819]

She didn't become a gold medalist. She became a LEGEND.

[@shubikl9826]

Exactly, and that forbidden back flip made her this !

[@gotrescuedauto3584]

OKKKKK

[@gotrescuedauto3584]

UNFORTUNATELY HATING ON HER TO GET A GOLD IS BULLSPIT AND RACIST TO THE SKILLS AND TALENTS TO ANYONE WHO CAN DO SSSHHHIIIFFFTT AND MAKE SOMETHING NEW HAPPEN WITHIN A SPORT. FQ THE POLITICS AND RULES. IF SOMEONE CAN DO SOMETHING ATLEAST REWARD THEIR AAASSSKKK HELLLLL HAHAHAHA

[@nightmarefanatic1819]

@@gotrescuedauto3584 I know for a fact other people would be able to pull it off if they just put the effort into learning it, it's just a master level move. But no, that would be too hard for everyone else so let's ban this move to make competition easier for the people who don't want to put in the effort.

[@jasondawson92]

God gives black power when racism is in the atmosphere you can feel it.

[@mitsiejc1077]

They told her she'd never be an ice princess, so she became an ice QUEEN

[@YourMsRightHere]

She didn't become a queen. She was always one.

[@rokinco8598]

Well, yuna is already the queen so she'd have to be something else

[@Coldheart61595]

@@rokinco8598 so Yuna is the queen eh? Surya Bonaly is the GODDESS of ice

[@deianeira2090]

Mitsie JC no she became the ice GODDESS

[@als2480]

I disagree she became something that transcends royalty. She became legend.

[@FallonFontaine]

I love her backflip but THOSE SPLITS ON THE ICE!!!

[@eventplanner461]

Right!

[@3StarLogo]

Honestly! Like holy crap amazing backflip but the splits! She was still moving like nothing!

[@AudreeAdam]

I so agree! She really changed the whole sport.

[@realgranolaappleraspberry]

I got a cramp just looking at it 😂😂

[@realgranolaappleraspberry]

She just did it effortlessly. True talent. I love her

[@kanoreese1253]

When you lose and still win...That's when you're a legendary badass!

[@vrobbee]

Say it again, Kano

[@londonwoods9947]

Yes sir

[@-s-3508]

YESSIRR!

[@lauralarrabee7870]

She earned peoples respect which far outlives any judges opinion. Surya is all about Black legacy and longevity. I remember seeing skate in Albertville and knew she was a legend!!!

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Why is it only black legacy? If a skater of another race is successful, it is considered meaningful for everyone regardless of race.

[@lauralarrabee7870]

@@Michelle-pn9xt the Netflix special explained how the judges never gave Surya her proper respect. Skating as a sport doesn’t have many Black skaters. As a kid I thought she was unique and risk taker. More little girls and boys our community especially the Black community need to see accomplished people like Surya going for their dreams.

[@abeltesfaye_]

​@@lauralarrabee7870You are SO right! I completely agree ❤

[@jagbrit3723]

​@@Michelle-pn9xt Ugh, here comes Karen, as expected. She said BLACK legacy. Yes, BLACK....

[@YK36Deadezio]

She is french, not black. Harlem Hell Figther know the difference with Black and Franch

[@blvkmirror8388]

Netflix has been dropping a lot of heat lately

[@Nickkibs]

👊👊😂😂Yeep

[@missyounge]

Jedi King Pudge I’ve noticed that too 🤔 and I’m here for it 😌

[@pwills122]

Probability bc they upped the prices 😂

[@FueledByKass]

Lots of nice tea

[@chocolaterini17]

During exams 😒😒

[@chocolate_kitty]

Not only the backflips but DAT SPLIT ON THE ICE! Yeah, she's no loser. Surya is a QUEEN!

[@eventplanner461]

That SPLIT was EFFORTLESS!

[@agussururi1195]

Surya is SUN in ice

[@bussi781]

Damn sure did!!

[@fodicky4]

That split spin on ice was FIRE!!!

[@koolaidman6251]

I love that Tonya Harding and Surya Bonaly are getting the attention they deserve! Tonya was screwed over for being poor and Surya was screwed over for being black, and NOW in the 2010s they are finally getting the attention for their awesomeness!

[@xeathenia8539]

She’s proof skaters don’t have to be emaciated to be graceful on the ice; that skating doesn’t create cadaverous body types; and that the pinnacle of athleticism is strength, health, and trailblazing. She dared to challenge the collective zeitgeist’s perception of what we consider “acceptable” and “expected”.

[@thepanther543]

I loved her shape

[@patrickmiller1743]

Iconic athlete. Imagine being SO good at your craft, you get demerits because other's can't do what you do.

[@H20fanatic20]

Simone biles as well, they made her new skill worth nothing because no one else can do it

[@justinabenson7229]

And somehow history repeating itself with Simone biles.

[@omwani277]

BP are gifted beyond these others.. all they are left to do is hate and cheat by altering the rules and the playbook. Nothing new

[@TheWurzelx3]

No it's because those Backflips are not allowed and have not been allowed for a long time, there were of course other athletes before her that did them.

[@lampwick4427]

@@TheWurzelx3 Same, I love Surya Bonaly and her skating is fantastic but backflips have been banned for being dangerous since 1976

[@Netflix]

Her backflip is UNBELIEVABLE no matter how many times I watch this.

[@adamhenry6793]

Break that law!

[@rosegolddonut8325]

Hey Netflix when's the atla live action series coming out??😂

[@adamhenry6793]

@@rosegolddonut8325 I'd love that! 😄

[@rosegolddonut8325]

@@adamhenry6793 yesss! ikr😂

[@adamhenry6793]

@@rosegolddonut8325 Such a magnificent talent!😄

[@agibson6864]

Loved her...she was an ice skating rebel!! Truly underrated in the sport!! Never got the credit she deserved! !!

[@pocoyo9014]

Millions of dollars and fans were definitely not enough

[@mlmartin2922]

She spoke to the rebel in all of us. ❤️

[@tortuexenad]

Underrated ? She was HUUUGE in France, every time she was performing we were all watching and cheering for her. Stop re writing history, she has never been 'underrated'.

[@AudreeAdam]

so true!

[@agibson6864]

@@tortuexenad not rewriting history. She was highly underrated in America there were several times she should be been on the podium in international competition and sh didn't make it...

[@zu3176]

Everyone talks about her backflip, that it was so amazing (which is true :)), but nobody seem to remember that she started the quad revolution in ladies's singles!!

[@littleraeofsunshine]

I remember watching her do that, landing on the flip. I didn’t understand why she got such low scores. To a kid, that was the most awesome thing ever!

[@savedgesurvive]

Yep

[@emhu2594]

she couldn't consistently land her jumps. if she had she would have won everything

[@carolev.5648]

​@@emhu2594 False. Chen Lu fell TWICE during her routine and was still awarded gold over Surya at the 1995 World Championship. (Oh and Chen finished in tears, so much about showing artistry to the judges.) Personal, never watched another figure skating competition after that, it was so obvious the judges were biased (or bought).

[@rogueish28]

The judges strongly disliked her for many reasons... 1. The backflip she would do 2. Because she was considered more muscular than the average more leaner and lithe ice skater 3. Because color is definitely a minority in figure skating and personal prejudice is always going to be an issue... but her performances were always unique, memorable, and just all around entertaining to watch...

[@TM-10-py7ji]

Rogueish 28 very true.

[@Kaboomboo]

She also had very sloppy technique and bad flow. She wasn't disliked by any means. She was a crowd pleaser and was doing it for herself, not for a judging panel. But I suggest you watch more on figure skating than this trailer and see where her low scores came from. She was powerful, yes but powerful wasn't enough when you have 2 facets of scoring: one for technical merit and one for artistic merit.

[@slanguagefreak2388]

So obviously th logical thing to do is give her less marks so that fewer people watch olympics? Man, judges are the biggest idiots so many times. I am glad she turned pro instead of conforming to senseless non-logic of olympics marking systems.

[@thatasiangirl0_039]

@@slanguagefreak2388 I like her character and her techniques are improving but if we were to go by your preferred logic then isn't that punishing the people who follows the ruled

[@slanguagefreak2388]

@@thatasiangirl0_039 How is having more sensible rules punishing people who followed the rules?

[@teeheeoop9809]

The thing was. She landed her backflip with *ONE FOOT* I cant even skate properly with both legs 😭

[@truckingandtraveling]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shirleyroberts1240]

Neither can I lol

[@nicolesalmon4583]

And the penalized her for it. Which I think was unfair. Considering they said all landings had to be done on ONE leg. Different never win in sports unless it's done by the judges favorite.

[@JellyBabie1984]

@@nicolesalmon4583 Pretty much, if you look at how she lost the 3 world championships it was a travesty to the sport especially what happened when she lost it to Sato. There was no doubt in my mind when I watched it back then that she deserved it, she did everything they asked of her even bringing up her artistic game to match her athletic game and she got jipped. She deserved better, her technical elements were above and beyond what most woman were doing but instead of rewarding her they punished her because she wasn't the pretty little ice princess they wanted her to be.

[@danicleckley5404]

Which technically made it legal. I believe the rule was all flips had to be landed on one foot. She was originally landing on two. At the competition, she landed on one. (I think that was the rule. I could have read it wrong.) Also, even without the flips, how did she not metal in the Olympics.

[@11thHrPro]

I will never forget the first time I ever saw her land a backflip on ice skates. I was shocked. She gave the judges the proverbial finger and several years later we are still talking about it. Surya, you are the REAL MVP.

[@aleahboone4323]

I remembered watching the Olympics when she won Silver and she took the medal off. I was so proud to be black, because I felt the same. It should've been Gold!!! She was beyond Perfect in her routine and the judges always penalized her, so whatever do you Girl!!! Love her!!!

[@naobe5]

Yeah I remember that too , the unfairness, the blatant prejudicism....and the press trying to pretend that it was everything but...

[@Kaboomboo]

That wasn't the Olympics, that was the world Championships. And it wasn't prejudiced, her routine was not perfect. She was not as tight in her form as Yuko Sato. She had the more exciting routine yes, for the layperson. But for the actual scoring system of the time: it was quite obviously not as good as Sato. And while it may be theatrical for her to take off that silver medal in disgust, it was hugely disrespectful to Yuka Sato and Japan, which was the host country. She effectively threw a tantrum and stole the attention and thunder from the rightful winner. She was also made to apologize to Japan for doing that. Also she won a silver medal! They obviously didn't deduct her that much, she was the second best *in the entire world.*

[@naobe5]

@@Kaboomboo That's what was said at the time...and yeah...ok ..still I don't see Yuko Sato getting a Netflix special ....

[@naobe5]

...or anyone remembering her name!

[@ytpider990]

@@Kaboomboo who or what the hell is a yuka sato?

[@floratink]

How is this illegal? This is amazing!! She worked hard at this. Props to her.

[@ridwana4037]

Probably due to how dangerous it is.

[@crotchman]

It's suuuuuper dangerous. Surya's great at flash but was never that great at chaining or routine. She's a perfect show skater but not a great technical skater. Still went on to have an amazing career skating in shows instead of competition.

[@coffeedudeable]

It is very dangerous but also this was competition skating not show skating at the time they were looking for high technique not strength or flair. Its similar to how dunking was illegal in basket ball when it was first created because the game was all about technique not strength or flair. Both sports have since evolved but the backflip is still rarely seen in competition it doesn't get good judge score unless done flawlessly

[@alsahim3952]

It’s called a backflip

[@maddy9556]

the official reasoning from ISU why the move is banned is not because it is dangerous (the sport itself is very dangerous, there have been skaters who have broken arms and legs by doing triples), but because the men who had performed it previously landed on two feet. in figure skating, a jump must be landed on one foot to qualify as an actual jump. surya had completed the backflip with one foot AFTER the ban was put into place, which many people ignore. another reason it could’ve been banned was because it was considered to “showbiz.” the reason varies depending on who you ask basically. it is also only illegal in ISU events, it is performed frequently in ice shows and tours.

[@elenabala3865]

That’s not a backflip. That’s a back aerial, which in my opinion as a gymnast is harder.

[@blah7983]

Elena Bala It’s really hard to do a good backflip launching from one foot, and it’s really hard to get the height needed jumping from two feet on the ice. Figure skating is mostly on leg for reason.

[@elenabala3865]

Blah I know I was complimenting her because I was saying that she deserves even more credit

[@apollosmommy12]

@@elenabala3865 RIGHT

[@strawberries1186]

How does that relate at all to what op said in a logical stream of conscienceness

[@randyeduo]

they made her pay because she was doing something that all the others could not do. it didn't help that she was black. when human beings get locked in their personal feelings about issues that require their sense of logic, they can become demonic. it took me a long to understand what was meant when the bible stated that humans are going to be lovers of themselves in the last days. well, it has to do with they being self-consumed and self-absorbed with their personal feelings like its more valuable than the facts of the matter

[@Courtney0]

This is who I pretended to be as a little girl sliding around in my socks! An ICON who was fearless and ahead of her time.

[@LeoneLaTwerk2]

Me too omg! 🥲🥲🥲

[@ladyjustice1474]

She is stunning to watch. The judges viewed her talent, the way Some classical musicians look down their nose at rock &roll. Very glad she remained true to herself. She showed them competition, can also be entertaining.

[@j1918]

That backflip alone should've given her an Olympic gold medal.

[@TeemElohim]

Right!!

[@chenai3907]

Shouldve given all 3 medals

[@daniella921]

You do know anything about figure skating?

[@jackiesoals8896]

She might of but backflips were illegal for decades at this point. Should they be illegal no. But she wasn’t going to be rewarded for an illegal move. Granted skating is a superficial sport so their were probably other reasons to but the deduction for an illegal move wouldn’t have helped.

[@Mica_T]

Except it's been illegal for decades. If the backflip was legal, there would undoubtedly be many skaters who would learn and perfect it. In a way, backflips arent exactly technically groundbreaking (they're used in ice dancing too).

[@thejen24]

They wanted thin, lily white, conforming , ice princess types. Surya was a dark black muscular powerhouse who could do the impossible, and SHATTERED the status quo. Literally NO ONE else did what she could do, male or female... aaaaand they absolutely, positively, wanted her to disappear, so they did everything to swish her legacy. But she's a queen and a legend, and someone little black girls around the world can be inspired by.

[@ripDenmarkVesey]

tikigoddess23 .........True, thats what the “judges” wanted. She performed for her audiences and looks like they loved her.

[@gavinkemp7920]

its a bit more complicated than that. The problem with the back flip lies in its danger, its difficulty and how the sport is scored. If the back flip goes wrong it not juste a broken bone, a sprain or torn ligaments you are risking, its crippling wounds like head trauma, neck injuries, the kind of wound you can't recover from. Its also very few can do it so the odds of injurie are high. the scoring means that the harder the trick you pull off the more point you get. that means that some moves become a must if you want any chance at winning the title. I can definitely understand the federation running the sport didn't want to have a hole load of crippled skaters who tried to achieve the new standard and failed maybe as few as once. Is it fair ? no. is their an other solution? changing the scoring system maybe but that a lot more complicated. was it wise ? I think so, though I'd prefer a different solution.

[@benbailey159bb]

@@gavinkemp7920 Actually it was banned because Tery Kubeka punctured a cooling line in a shitty training rink and also they don't like adagio stuff in competition. The official line was because it wasn't landed on one foot. Which is why she then landed in one foot to show them up

[@samueltorres9961]

Black people, we don't do easy stuff, she' raised the bar so high, the whoite (white) people said oooohhh my,, we got to stop this. They making sure, it's more whoite ice princess and less ice Queen's.

[@al.s.3277]

Why do y’all always gotta make it about race? UGH. 😂 She could’ve been white and so what? What she did was amazing and not because of her skin color. 🙄

[@DevonnyDX]

I love when you can flex on racism without saying a word. She does not need anyone's say so, she went and got her own recognition! There will never be another Surya Bonaly!!!! Best advice for ethnic athletes, stop expecting validity and just OWN IT 💯💯💯

[@TheMorganVEVO]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@b-chu9747]

Asian skaters been doing it for a loooooong time.

[@DevonnyDX]

@@b-chu9747 What does that have to do with Surya? Nothing!

[@Kaboomboo]

I don't think you understand how ice skating works. Surya had bad form. That wasn't her fault, her overbearing mother had coaches through a revolving door basically. And with no consistent coach, they couldn't reign in her power and her technique suffered. Also she has won several titles in her career. Just crying racism is just ignorant.

[@DevonnyDX]

@@Kaboomboo 😆😆😆 you should probably learn to read

[@jobagirl]

She was, is so powerful, beautiful, talented, strong, and regal. I never tire of watching her skate and hearing her interviews.

[@khairulmukhriz7667]

After tonya harding, maybe she should be the next movie?

[@eamcbmsc]

Firelord Zuko lol they were friends

[@BahamaWynters]

Absolutely. Bonaly would get an immediate 1-pooint deduction for wearing her tights over her skate boots. Since she is shorter than other skaters it lengthens her legs. Now, it's done by other female skaters and guess what? No more deduction. A wonderful skater and woman.

[@roddo1955]

@@BahamaWynters Not entirely correct. It was an archaic rule that you can cover the skates with longer tights but the entire boot needs to be covered. Surya would cover half of her boots. When told by judges that she should cover them completely or wear them inside the boot; she did it anyway. She was a rebel. It didn't change the sport but, the audience loved it. She was a fantastic jumper and won many medals. According to many pundits and coaches, she had the potential to be the best under ISU rules. Surya didn't like rules. I love figureskating, always have. Surya wasn't the best technical skater but certainly one of the most exciting and a legend in her own right.

[@BahamaWynters]

​@@roddo1955 Thanks for this insight. It was over 20 years ago. Truly hope the world becomes aware of Surya as well as Mabel Fairbanks who, due to her color, was not able to compete because skate clubs would neither invite nor sponsor her. She developed some magnificent spins, many which have been re-named (Bielmann) and was also coached Scotty Hamilton and Kristi Yamaguchi.

[@JackAShepherd]

BahamaWynters Absurd. She didn’t follow the rules. Every sport has dress guidelines and every athlete knows the consequences for breaking them.

[@deeprose4]

Surya is the most under appreciated skater in the history of the sport. She deserved way more credit than she got. I love watching her skate.

[@JackAShepherd]

She won multiple World/Euro medals and went to three Olympics. She was INCREDIBLY successful in her sport. Despite huge, glaring incompetencies - e.g., utter lack of skating skills. NOT under-appreciated.

[@idesireit31]

@@JackAShepherd Salty hater alert 💯

[@JackAShepherd]

Ms Entrepreneur Yes, indeed, I despise false narratives. I especially hate ones that try to generate a sociological reason where none exists, since racism is systemic and endemic and there are many, many barriers holding back people of color from achieving success in figure skating... By falsely claiming that Surya’s “lack of success” (nevermind she’s one of, if not THE, most successful French Ladies skater in history) was due to discrimination you undermine the legit and galling ways in which social factors hold marginalized people back in elite sport.

[@deeprose4]

JackAShepherd at what point did I say this was about colour? Holy crap you took my comment and twisted it into a narrative about race.

[@JackAShepherd]

deeprose4 Whatever you say. I replied that I hate false narratives and explained why... Which, in this case - as does, in a different way, the narrative surrounding Tonya’s career - involves social issues. Which, as a former Sociology major and a skating megafan, are exceptionally interesting to me... Which is what compelled me to comment in the first place.

[@irawilliams343]

She's not a loser. She's the living, breathing definition of a true champion. No one will ever be able to do what she could. She's untouchable and the judges know that.

[@thepinkonesoterrify623]

she landed on ONE FOOT she's an actual legend omg

[@jypsywith_a_jae7575]

I was 10.yrs old and I will never forget it. She was the reason I went towards gymnastics after skating....I sucked at both tho....lol

[@karaj8969]

At least you tried. 👌

[@Famegonna9999]

Me too

[@minervaloves]

This comment made me laugh so hard hahaha

[@m.h2247]

Kara J hahahaha

[@artheaux666]

Keep at it!! its never too late to be great sis

[@joshjoseph8192]

That is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen and that goes to show that anything is possible and that no one should be held down because they do something they enjoy

[@JackAShepherd]

She wasn’t “held down.” It’s the sport. Sports have rules. Perhaps Federer really enjoys serving with two hands, and is really great at it... Should they let him do an awesome two-handed serve in competition? A backflip is simply not part of the game.

[@ampmri2434]

Because no one pushed the boundaries of the sport. Good on her for doing that.

[@briizyfbaby16]

@@JackAShepherd the only reason it was a rule in the first place was because it wasn't believed it could be done, not without serious injury. Always push the envelope and show ppl the seemingly impossible is indeed possible 💯

[@zorominaj]

i love her so much she never stopped trying to push herself. she even tried to do quads in competitions.

[@aaronanthony3046]

Sometimes championships or gold medals don't come with personal victory. Sometimes, personal victory means not compromising self and daring to be yourself so much that you're willing sacrifice everything to remain intact with who God created you to be. The joy, enthusiasm and passion that Surya performed with is unmatched. Her unwillingness to simply comply with the status quo was courageous. Her heart and strength to persevere equates to more than any gold medal ever could because she found the gold within herself, and was daring enough to display it for the world to see.

[@ctruth6185]

Aaron Anthony Amen! Preach!

[@acWeishan]

Her FU to the judge is something not even Hollywood could make up. That backflip (landing on one leg which she is the only person who can do that) and then finishing her routine with her back to the judges and facing the audience... Unbelievable....

[@acWeishan]

@D cool show the clips of multiple skater clips of other professionals doing a back flip and landing on one leg. Thanks 👍

[@sandramorey2529]

I had forgotten about her facing the audience with her back to the judges. She knew she wouldn't win & she was giving the royal finger to the judges. Hooray.

[@whitneyluvlife]

Just amazing 👏

[@lupe9675]

Truly amazing what she did. Bold and beautiful.

[@cdxn00]

I remember when she did that backflip during the olympics. Man, when I saw that! I almost hit the ceiling. Surya Bonaly is an amazing athlete.

[@tyc4231]

All of a sudden I'm a huge Surya Bonaly fan

[@tidypeaches]

Same

[@DM-it1qf]

Part of her motivation for doing a backflip in competition was for it to be a “screw you” to the racism she had received in the sport from the judges. Badass 👏👏👏

[@SanxBile]

Not according to Bonaly herself. But sure, make up your own stories.

[@KG-et7lq]

@@vegetaismydad5382 🤔

[@tyronelewis6956]

Vegeta is My dad Race has ALWAYS been an issue and it ALWAYS will be an issue.

[@buttgoomagoo6919]

human sgehumans age IS ugly

[@rickfeng4466]

I would call it sexism she had received.

[@naomifiro]

I remember seeing her for the very first time as a child. A little girl who looked just like me being dynamic ...Watching this catapulted me right back to that moment. I am still in awe. 😍

[@cocoleexoxo]

Oh yeh. Ya know she didn't even look like me but I identified with her too bc she was bada$$ girl who gave zero craps & didn't fit into the box and I stan a legend like that even at 9 years old.

[@nineteenfortyeight6762]

I was just thinking about her yesterday. She'll not be forgotten.

[@TwistedArtdesigns]

She is my all-time favorite skater! Strong, athletic, lovely. Her skills were explosive and her smile lights up the world! Good for her for never conforming!

[@ardengisler8032]

I feel as if the hate she got was because people were intimidated by her holy crap thanks for all the likes guys!

[@notleah8700]

Girly gamer 204 no she had bad technique, kept doing illegal moves and threw fits when she didn’t place first. That’s why.

[@troyallen4351]

That’s true and sad I feel like they were mad because they couldn’t do what she did

[@ivy456]

@Catnip If you knew anything about skating you would know Not Leah is right. I love Surya but her skating technique was atrocious.

[@Buttersweet1]

It's because she wasn't that good or that graceful and she was a sore loser.

[@ZZ-mh2nv]

@@Buttersweet1 sure racist white person ..sureeee

[@jujub4553]

I grew up in the time of Surya and I LOVED when she did her backflips!!! She was/is amazing!

[@slantos2668]

Been a huge figure skating enthusiast since childhood, and I remember her so well - Gordeeva and Grinkov in my childhood, and then being re-amazed by Suraya! Truly a Queen on the ice.

[@Shewas-kathybates]

That split though, WOW

[@Flowerchildren16]

This girl still deserves her damn credit and respect. One time I tried to do a simple spin while ice skating, and my life flashed before my eyes.

[@pj.smalls]

LMBO!!!! Hilarious 😂😂😂

[@carolanestanley4030]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@dawnmatthews6424]

🤣🤣

[@furrymonkeything]

😂😂😂

[@batorsagandszerelem4474]

2 yrs late but damn you made me choke- 🤣😭😭

[@eleanorjpoindexter4299]

What's so INCREDIBLE about Surya Bonaly is that her ATHLETIC ABILITY ON THE ICE IS STILL UNMATCHED TO THIS VERY DAY. So despite the OBVIOUS SNUBS to not acknowledge her accordingly only goes to show you that she could prepare a sandwich while in the air doing her flips and it still is what it is..........SAD! She's still bad because she is an overcomer! Do your thang Surya!

[@francinesicard464]

And her back-flips landing on one foot. Difficult enough on two feet, never mind on one 👍👍👍 Marvellous, courageous and unforgettable Surya❤️❤️❤️

[@ItsBrittanyLajoyce]

Now this is an athlete I don’t think most people see figure skaters as athletics but ballerinas on ice but when I see this I see skill and artistry at the same time.

[@Agforever12]

I mean they are kinda like ballerinas on ice (in the sense that they are graceful dancers but on ice instead of on a dance floor) but, ballerinas and figure skaters are both athletes.

[@JackAShepherd]

Where’s the artistry??? This isn’t part of the skating repertoire. Artistry involves Skating Skills and flexibility and performance, which she lacked. She could jump. That is all. Honestly, Tonya had more artistry - not to mention superior jump technique - which is saying something. Surya marched (skated?) to the beat of her own drum, which is intriguing but not particularly admirable when your goal is to reach the pinnacle of your sport but you never bothered to read the manual

[@adele8734]

JackAShepherd well, she certainly read this stupid manual, every coach does it so does she but when your 3 times silver world champion when your suppose to be the favorite for gold and you arrive 10th at olympics you just have to make a statement “I’m here, no matter how bad you will judge me, I’ll always have something to say” and trust me judges in this sport are extremely petty

[@JackAShepherd]

Ad Èle She wasn’t a favorite for Gold at Nagano! And she was injured

[@9aryelle]

@@JackAShepherd Are you going to sit and write on everyone's positive comment about this woman!? If you believe that she was only good at jumping, why waste your time looking at the video? better yet, why waste your time trying to convince her fans that she wasn't great? Go look at Tonya's videos and get a life dude!

[@stormking989]

She is freaking awesome.

[@dianacamelia4941]

She deserved the golf medal! She is unique!!

[@saundrawilson3981]

Amazing, she won something greater than a medal, she will not be forgotten. So courageous ! God be with her and all❤❤❤❤

[@hothottest]

effing badass. thats what it is !

[@ampmri2434]

Yess!

[@nadia05681]

She's not one of the best, SHE WAS AND STILL IS THE BEST PERIOD!!!! Let's also add BEAUTIFUL (:

[@Cosima909]

I have never heard of her before. I definitely need to catch up. 💃🏽

[@ballsdeep9420]

Nah come on now every thing else but not beautiful

[@jillann2143]

@@ballsdeep9420. She is beautiful.

[@nadia05681]

@Anri MACHIJIRI That's awesome!

[@isis9907]

FACTS SIS! ❤️

[@MermaidTheory]

I hold my breathe every time she does a back flip from anxiety. I’m so glad she always landed it. If she’s the only one that can do it it needs to be recognized and rewarded. Sorry not sorry she’s next level. I loved seeing her slide on the ice while spinning in her split that looked like so much fun.

[@carolecarr5210]

She was the most exciting, courageous skater I've ever seen.

[@spookystela4661]

Okay yeah those backflips were incredible and all but that SPLIT!? What 👏🏼 A 👏🏼 Queen👏🏼

[@Mslittaaaaa]

The back flip was spectacular, her skating was amazing, but doing the splits on ice, I’m here for it!!!

[@etherealenergy9471]

She didn't need the judges the audience told her she won in so many ways.

[@bearhugz9650]

The back flip was also insanely dangerous, cool, but dangerous. Nobody else dared to do it because it was banned and they could die trying, so i think it was more of a common sense move, than cowardliness. If the judges (who were/are more experienced) do not give her a good score than it ultimately means other skaters' programs were better than hers. Skating has nothing to do with race, it is not a racial matter, it is how good you are at the sport itself.

[@etherealenergy9471]

@@bearhugz9650 If you skate like everyone else than I don't see what is so special about it. She did something that was not only hard to do but was not expected of her. To me that put her above the others.

[@cinquentakhamseen3124]

Chaaaaaal doing the split with skates on is something I wouldn’t dare in my cheerleading days, let alone ice skates!!! Simply amazing 🙌🏽

[@RunawayArtistX]

I remember watching her when I was 8 years old and I loved her just as much then as I do now. A name in figure skating history never to be forgotten!!!

[@queenla]

I remember her each and every time I see a figure skater. I will never forget seeing her do that back flip. I was in awe! I was jumping up and down in my home with delight! No one has ever done it before. It felt so good to see a Black women who dared to be different and set a part from the rest.

[@Gooniegymnast88]

Who knew after all these years, Surya Bonaly would have her own documentary. I watched her compete for many years. I never realized I was watching history in the making. 🙌🏻

[@esmabarnes1068]

My sentiment exactly!

[@adele8734]

This woman is incredible, as being a french skater, i had the chance to being trained by her one time and talk with her, it’s amazing, seeing her doing the backflip always give you goosebumps, at the end of the ice season when gala period start I’m always so happy to know i will see her

[@leanysealvarado7499]

Wow!!! You had an opportunity of a lifetime!!!

[@hanadoubravska9011]

I saw her doing her amazing skating and back flips when I was tiny kid and I was mind-blown. Also I wasn't fan of that era's standards of zombieish bodies those Russian skaters had. She had all the fire and man, I was in awe. And I still am. She's like a fresh air.

[@annecohen8927]

This skater’s absolutely amazing. There’s no other figure skaters quite like her.

[@aprillove10]

Beginning as a world class gymnast. Uses ALL of her skills on ice. Floor exercises on ice... truly combines ice skating with gymnastics!! She IS a warrior and a champion.

[@galaxydove]

Rules are made to be broke 😎 Backflip all you want girl, you're inspiration for future generations

[@SandyKH]

Some of her problems she created herself. She (or one of her press people) lied about where she was born to make her story look more exotic, and she said it was true when it wasn't. She was difficult to coach, because she did her own thing... went for the quad when he wanted her to go clean and medal, etc. But many a judge has dropped skaters for such things. She was not unique in that way. And plenty of men did back flips in exhibitions or other shows (Robin Cousins, Scott Hamilton etc) but not in competition. However, she had long set-up pauses before a jump in competitions, and those bring about penalties. You can't complain if you get penalized according to the rules you broke. Perhaps she preferred pleasing the crowd to pleasing the judges.

[@MD-722]

@@SandyKH Pleasing the crowd is exactly what she preferred hence her success as a professional skater after she finished her amateur career in Nagano. But as for her backflip, yes many men did it too, but to this day she is still the only living skater male or female to have landed it on one foot. That's why hers is as big a deal as it is. But otherwise I agree with everything you said

[@SandyKH]

@@MD-722 Yes, but she's the only one who tried it because it's similar to doing a backflip in the middle of a basketball game before a slam dunk. It may please the crowd, but it won't change the score. People don't try it because it's not their sport. That's why others don't try it. It's unnecessary and could risk injury.

[@MD-722]

@@SandyKH I do realise that. But my point was to further your initial one in that she was a crowd-pleaser i.e more so a professional than amateur skater. But of all those who do/did backflips her signature was the one-footed landing. I'm not saying others should try or that it should enhance the score, I'm saying that although others performed saltos, only she did it with a step-out.

[@Lundy.Fastnet.Irish_Sea]

Rules aren't made to be broken if you want to win.

[@IntergalacticSpaceKitten]

She deserved way more awards! But to make legendary status without getting those awards? That's absolutely crazy! Wow!

[@blxgrl]

My brother and I watched her in the early 90's. She never got what she deserved. Phenomenal

[@jammzy2959]

Let me get this straight...is she a gymnast or an ice skater? Yes.

[@mitsuomits9077]

🤣🤣🤣

[@traceyray05]

BOTH apparently!

[@jamdawgutube]

BOTH! Thau

[@zahrajames5941]

She is a gymnast, an ice skater, a ballerina. She brought on all these skill, added her unique flavour, then she she "nailed it" every single time... GOAT!!!

[@bambiblushofficial1275]

I would like this but it already has a perfect number. Here’s a trophy 🏆

[@anonymouscontent3644]

A magnificent and Beautiful black woman

[@ozonethegreat6948]

Here we go.....

[@anonymouscontent3644]

@@ozonethegreat6948 ok. I said what i said and meant every single word.

[@suhocidal]

@@ozonethegreat6948 move the fuck on snowflake

[@Tristan11406]

SAY IT AGAIN 👸🏿😍! F🤬🤬🤬 who say otherwise 😂.

[@blah7983]

You misspelled queen

[@sweetshopadmin7779]

She's so truly dynamic and amazing that even the Russian trolls are out here singing her praises! That split on the ice while turning was out of this world she was lightyears ahead of her time!

[@webdrivertorso1362]

I’m so glad to see Surya finally getting the respect she’s always deserved. I remember watching her as a child in the 90s and hearing the disrespectful comments people made about her and thinking she deserved so much better.

[@anarizmoore]

"I will be just FREE"...I'm in tears. PHENOMENAL FEARLESS BEAUTIFUL!

[@northernsoutherngirl]

I was blown the first time I saw her do her signature flip & I'm still blown away! ❤❤❤

[@Ommi331]

What a best figure skater she is!! She is a proud worldly person 정말 재능있는 사람일세 ㅎㅎ

[@luname2356]

That... made me emotional for some reason😭as a black girl seeing another black woman succeed at something that she loves despite the struggle is amazing😖👏🏾

[@Bribrig4l]

She was amazing and truly never got the right recognition for her truly amazing talent!!!!!

[@TheFunnygym]

True. People just tried to bring her down, especially judges.

[@JackAShepherd]

TheFunnygym She brought herself down by not following the rules/guidelines of the sport and refusing to work on the glaring flaws she had as a skater. She also seemed to think she was better than she was - e.g., her freak-out at 1994 Worlds... She didn’t skate particularly well, but she seemed to think she did...

[@deisecarr4884]

This brought tears to my eyes... what a woman! What a talent! what a backflip!

[@MsThe1girl]

She taught everyone an excellent lesson .Never waste time arguing with people who say you can't achieve something (As long as it isnt illegal or hurts people) . Just put in the work and let your success shut them up.

[@aslan9334]

i remember her she took gymnastics before becoming an ice skater the judges did not always liked her style of skating but she said she skated for the public not the judges

[@g.l.9944]

I love her.... They did her dirty

[@stephdrake2521]

Inside white supremacy- you shouldn’t be surprise about this system when it comes to black people. Y’all give white folks too much credit ..... a shame

[@SW-nx4jz]

@Raven Juniper Sad you just believe Any random comment on KZbin and repeat it as if it's a fact lol. This person is only making an observation no need to get butthurt over it lol

[@candicehoneycutt4318]

Raven Juniper That was pretty accurate actually. She was great at performing, but her technical scores weren't always very high. She was a lot more athletic than a lot of the other popular skaters at the time, which didn't do her any favors with the judges.

[@sparky1600]

@Raven Juniper You sound like the type of person who says "I don't see color". Fuck outta here 😂

[@SW-nx4jz]

@Raven Juniper Again you weren't sure so you shouldn't have ASSUMED that at all lol. It only made u look foolish hun

[@lehirahfanfan4292]

So many haters in the comment section. I’ve never been into skating but this video alone was simply amazing. The backflip and the split was beyond words. This was too impressive not to watch.

[@maxinesteuer1959]

I think the value of longevity in a skater is even truer with how the Tutberizde skaters turn out. Nowadays a ladies “champion” wins everything for a single season, maybe two, and then retires with life-ruining injuries and an eating disorder, all before puberty. Surya was proof you could be athletic and dynamic and memorable as a skater - not an emaciated ice princess, but a QUEEN.

[@KleineSonne]

Nobody can do this. She is awesome

[@mavinajfan]

I remember watching her in the olympics and I begged my mom to put me in skating lessons because I saw her do a backflip. She told me I was too tall to be an ice skater??? Thanks mom! Anyway she is amazing!

[@minervaloves]

I was told I was too tall for ballet. So I did karate. Loved it LOL

[@mavinajfan]

Mazinger and Minerva I ended up taking tap and jazz dance classes

[@Dirk_Strider]

@@itsallgoodman1244 The original reason female ice skaters were "better shorter" was that they were expected to be a pairs skate partner for male skaters, and part of the typical male figure skating routine was lifting up the tiny girl. Being tall in figure skating doesn't have any worse drawbacks than any other sport. Many male skaters are 6' and over.

[@trixie4124]

🤣🤣🤣😭

[@iloveoldschool888]

I remember watching her back in the day. They weren't ready for her, she was way ahead.

[@Panda-zq2zj]

Surya was hated in the judging community. She didn’t wear tights - which was a huge “no-no” - and much like Debbie Thomas - she faced the racism of the skating unions. Skaters were to be prim and proper. Katarina Witt, Oksana, Nancy - all fit this mold. Even if she had played by the rules - the Eastern block judges would have never given her a win. They were brutal in scoring her.

[@teariesz4103]

was there a reason for her not to wear tights or did she just not like it

[@veraweng9908]

@@teariesz4103 I'm not sure why she didn't want to wear tights but I do know she wasn't alone-many girl skaters didn't wear the tights in competition. The difference was the tights only came in lighter shades, so the white skaters could get away with it while she couldn't

[@teariesz4103]

@@veraweng9908 that’s so >:( but thank you !!

[@roddo1955]

I like to think that if Surya had put her mother on the backburner and allowed for Tarasova to really take charge, it would have been impossible to cheat Bonaly over potential golds. My only issue with Surya were those horrid stepsequences, crossovers and breaks in her choreo. With or without tights,,Surya could have dominated the sport if it weren't for her mum

[@elizabethpalumbo6516]

Her performances were amazing. Man! I can't believe that was in 1998, where did the time go?

[@maryrose8478]

I'm shedding a tear at all the wonderful comments. It's nice to see so many people being nice.

[@kindakalin]

Wow Netflix, thank you for sharing this!! She is amazing!!

[@samanthahart7378]

We love you Surya Bonaly!!! A true legend. You made ice skating fun to watch.

[@bernettamorton3626]

A free spirit! Always loved watching Surya with anticipation! She brought talent, skills, drama, excitement, and enthusiasm to ice skating! Loved her outfits, makeup, and tenacity! She had a need to "color outside the lines" and show us something new and different! Congratulations! So many lessons here! I still get excited watching the wonderful footage of Surya's amazing work she carved on ice and our memories! ❤️🎉🙌🏽🙌🏽🎉❤️

[@sazt7176]

Amazing i cant believe it was illegal shes fantastic

[@godzeelaraaawr1664]

It's still illegal. some people think it's a dangerous trick to pull but I think that some officials in the figure skating community don't want to see the sport change...

[@Coldheart61595]

@@godzeelaraaawr1664 the sport already change. from figure skating to jump skating

[@Senay.Lynn-1031]

It's illegal because not only is it dangerous but it's also art in its purest form! It's white supremacists oppressing the spiritually creative artists of God's creation! They don't want people to know how beautiful God has made them to be even if it does make us dangerous! If God can be dangerously beautiful then why can't we be as well? We're God's creation after all! Right?

[@drew63215]

@@Senay.Lynn-1031 Has nothing to do with a Man Made God. It's all because of Spirituality, Melanin, the Pineal Gland, And the connection to the Universe. There is no Invisible Sky Daddy off in a Magical Galaxy somewhere controlling or creating us.

[@mechantechatonne]

It was illegal because none of the white girls could land it.

[@zottffss]

One of the most underated ever.

[@awkwardnerd.]

She managed to make a name for herself even w/o the judges liking her

[@rohansaxena4751]

Surya Bonaly is such a badass and she's an inspiration for me❤️

[@lilygotsilly]

The way she sparkled when she glided out onto the ice gave me chills! This really inspired me!