Malinin Performs Backflip at Olympics, First in 50 Years

The "backflip," a move banned from Winter Olympics competition for nearly 50 years, has returned to the ice.

U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin executed a backflip at the end of his performance in the men's singles short program of the figure skating team event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday.

Terry Kubicka of the United States first performed the backflip at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. The International Skating Union banned the move the following year, citing athlete safety and injury prevention concerns.

The ISU lifted the prohibition in 2024, adapting to changing times. Malinin became the first skater to perform the move at an Olympic competition in approximately 50 years.

"The crowd cheered so loudly it was uncontrollable," Malinin said. "It was a moment when I felt the weight and gratitude of the Olympic stage."

Malinin scored 98.00 points, finishing second behind Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, who earned 108.67 points.

Theft at Israeli Team Lodging

A thief broke into the apartment used as a training residence by the Israeli bobsled team, stealing passports and valuables.

AJ Edelman, pilot of the Israeli bobsled team, posted on social media Saturday: "A thief broke into our training apartment and took thousands of dollars worth of items and passports. What a turbulent season."

The thief stole passports, training equipment, luggage, and shoes from the athletes' apartment. Local police have launched an investigation.

Israel initially failed to secure an Olympic berth but gained entry after Great Britain returned one of its allocated spots. Israel will compete in both the two-man and four-man bobsled events.