It’s funny how history tends to rewrite itself, especially when it comes to the narratives surrounding Black excellence. Take a moment to consider Surya Bonaly, the figure skating sensation who made waves in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. She pulled off a backflip—yes, a backflip—landing it flawlessly on one skate. This was a move that had been deemed ‘illegal’ in competitive skating, but it was also a testament to her unparalleled skill and daring spirit. Now, fast forward to the present day, and suddenly we see news outlets celebrating a white skater pulling off a similar trick as if it’s the latest revelation since sliced bread. We need to talk about the blatant double standards at play here.
Bonaly was breaking barriers long before many of us even knew what figure skating was. She didn’t just challenge the norms of her sport; she redefined them. But for far too long, her contributions were overshadowed, even dismissed, because she didn’t fit the mold of what the mainstream sports world deemed acceptable. When the world finally took notice, it was almost like they were seeing the backflip for the first time, as if Surya’s incredible talent hadn’t been there all along, blazing a trail for generations to come.
It’s not just about the backflip, either. This trend of overlooking Black athletes and artists until their work is co-opted by someone from a different background isn’t new. We’ve seen it over and over, from music to sports to fashion. The moment something is deemed ‘original’ or ‘revolutionary’ simply because a white person does it, our community feels that sting of being forgotten. How many times have we called it out, only to watch as the narrative shifts around us, leaving us once again in the background of our own stories?
We should be celebrating the fact that Surya took that leap—literally and figuratively—while also holding space for the recognition she deserves. This isn’t just about figure skating; it’s about ownership of our narratives. How often do we have to remind the world that Black brilliance has always existed? It’s not about begrudging someone their moment of glory; it’s about ensuring that we also get our rightful place in the history books.
As we navigate this layered and often frustrating landscape, let’s lift up the names and stories that’ve been silenced or forgotten. Let’s make sure that the next time someone references that audacious backflip, they also remember the name Surya Bonaly and the legacy she carved out for all of us in the ice and beyond. In a world that loves to rewrite the rules, we must ensure our contributions are not just acknowledged, but celebrated. Because when it comes to our culture, we’ve always been the trendsetters, and it’s high time the world remembers.
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