Radiolab

On the Edge

May 26, 2023

Surya Bonaly, a groundbreaking French figure skater, defied norms in a sport often bound by tradition. She shares her journey from a rebellious athlete challenging racial biases to her unforgettable 1998 Olympic performance featuring an unprecedented move. Bonaly's outspoken nature and stunning athleticism created a stir, shaking the very foundations of figure skating. The discussion delves into the intense rivalry she faced, the evolution of judging criteria, and her lasting influence on future generations, especially for black athletes in the sport.

42:26

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Episode guests

Surya Bonaly

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Surya Bonnelly: Breaking Barriers in Figure Skating

18min

Transformation of a Figure Skater: From Aspiration to Contender

2min

The Road to World Championships in Figure Skating

2min

Tensions on Ice: A Dual of Styles

13min

The Controversial Backflip

3min

Daring Moves: The Legacy of a Figure Skater

4min

At the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan, one athlete pulled a move that, as far as we know, no one else had ever attempted.

In this episode, first aired in the Spring of 2016, we tell you about Surya Bonaly. Surya was not your typical figure skater: she is black, she is athletic, and she didn’t seem to care about artistry. Her performances—punctuated by triple jumps and other power moves—thrilled audiences around the world. Yet commentators claimed she couldn’t skate and judges never gave her high marks. But Surya didn’t accept that criticism. Unlike her competitors—ice princesses who hid behind demure smiles—Surya made her feelings known.

Then, during her final Olympic performance, she attempted one jump that flew in the face of the establishment and marked her for life as a rebel.

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