Officially Name the One-Footed Backflip the "Bonaly Flip" in Figure Skating.
Officially Name the One-Footed Backflip the "Bonaly Flip" in Figure Skating.
The Issue
Surya Bonaly was a powerful, yet graceful pioneer in figure skating. Her brilliance, courageousness, and elite athleticism were often overlooked because she was a woman of color who refused to fit a narrow mold and was denied the freedom to express her own creativity. In 1998, she landed her legendary one-footed backflip, a feat of pure courage that remains the only one of its kind ever landed in Olympic competition.
It’s #BlackHistoryMonth and the #MilanCortina2026 Winter Olympics are officially here! ⛸️✨ As the world watches the first legal backflip in Olympic history, it is time to stop ignoring the past and give Surya Bonaly the credit she was denied.
Growing up, I watched Surya Bonaly evolve, masterfully blending her elite athleticism and constantly improving her artistic grace. Her tears reflected, pain from the discrimination and unfairness she faced. Stifled by a sport that demanded a traditional "ice princess," she instead showcased the power and determination of a Queen.
"When she cried, I cried...but she inspired me to show up as my authentic self no matter what." -Terra Bloem
We are calling on the International Skating Union (ISU) to officially name the one-footed backflip the #BonalyFlip. This is a vital step for representation and inclusion in sports, for all girls, but especially for girls of color who dream of expressing themselves authentically without being penalized for their uniqueness.
As the backflip becomes a legal move in the 2026 Games, we must finally honor the woman who pioneered it on one blade in 1998.
PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE SO SURYA BONALY TAKES HER RIGHTFUL PLACE IN HISTORY."
Photo: AP Photo/Eric Draper
#SuryaBonaly #BlackHistoryMonth #MilanCortina2026 #BonalyFlip #FigureSkating
43
The Issue
Surya Bonaly was a powerful, yet graceful pioneer in figure skating. Her brilliance, courageousness, and elite athleticism were often overlooked because she was a woman of color who refused to fit a narrow mold and was denied the freedom to express her own creativity. In 1998, she landed her legendary one-footed backflip, a feat of pure courage that remains the only one of its kind ever landed in Olympic competition.
It’s #BlackHistoryMonth and the #MilanCortina2026 Winter Olympics are officially here! ⛸️✨ As the world watches the first legal backflip in Olympic history, it is time to stop ignoring the past and give Surya Bonaly the credit she was denied.
Growing up, I watched Surya Bonaly evolve, masterfully blending her elite athleticism and constantly improving her artistic grace. Her tears reflected, pain from the discrimination and unfairness she faced. Stifled by a sport that demanded a traditional "ice princess," she instead showcased the power and determination of a Queen.
"When she cried, I cried...but she inspired me to show up as my authentic self no matter what." -Terra Bloem
We are calling on the International Skating Union (ISU) to officially name the one-footed backflip the #BonalyFlip. This is a vital step for representation and inclusion in sports, for all girls, but especially for girls of color who dream of expressing themselves authentically without being penalized for their uniqueness.
As the backflip becomes a legal move in the 2026 Games, we must finally honor the woman who pioneered it on one blade in 1998.
PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE SO SURYA BONALY TAKES HER RIGHTFUL PLACE IN HISTORY."
Photo: AP Photo/Eric Draper
#SuryaBonaly #BlackHistoryMonth #MilanCortina2026 #BonalyFlip #FigureSkating
43
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on February 16, 2026