Surya Bonaly

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Surya Bonaly's competitive record is remarkable, but her true legacy lies in her fearless innovation. She was a nine-time French champion and five-time European champion, a feat that places her among the greatest European skaters of her era. Her three consecutive World silver medals underscore her consistency at the highest level, though she never captured the world title. Perhaps more importantly, she was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in women's figure skating. Her backflip, performed at the 1998 Olympics, was decades ahead of its time and is now celebrated as a historic moment in the sport.

AwardsSurya Bonaly's competitive career was decorated with numerous titles. She won the World Junior Championship in 1991, five consecutive European Championships from 1991 to 1995, and nine French national titles. She also earned three World Championship silver medals. Her achievements were recognized with several national honors, including the French National Order of Merit.

Honours & Distinctions

French National Order of Merit

Government of France·1998

Awarded for her contributions to French sport.

Records & Feats

First woman to land a backflip on one blade in Olympic competition

Historic First·1998

At the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Bonaly executed a backflip on a single blade, a move that was then illegal. It was not until 2026 that another skater, Ilia Malinin, legally performed a backflip at the Olympics.