Original version

BBC World Service Online

Migrated podcast image for: Outlook

Outlook

Factual: Life Stories

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Outlook: The backflip that shocked the Olympics

Magazines & Reviews

Surya Bonaly at the 1995 World Championships Credit: Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/TempSport/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

16/04/2019 GMT

The backflip that shocked the Olympics

BBC World Service - Outlook, The backflip that shocked the Olympics

Surya Bonaly performed an ‘illegal’ move that cemented her name in figure skating history

At the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan, Surya Bonaly performed an ‘illegal’ move that cemented her name in figure skating history.

Surya Bonaly is one of the best known figure skaters in history. In her prime, her technical skill was unmatched. But despite her great talent, an Olympic gold medal always eluded her.  At the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan, Surya sustained an injury meaning she couldn’t complete her rehearsed routine. Instead, she decided to perform a backflip, landing on one blade. It was a controversial move as the backflip was banned in figure skating because it is typically landed on two feet, which figure skating moves shouldn't be. It's also high risk. If it goes wrong it could result in life-changing injuries. The backflip she pulled off in 1998 became so famous she says it is now known as 'the Bonaly'.

Rashmila Shakya is one of Nepal's former Royal Kumaris who were once considered ‘living goddesses’, the living incarnations of a Hindu deity.  According to tradition, the girl, who is selected as a child must be prepubescent, which means the role is changed every eight or so years. Rashmila was four years old when her selection happened. Her family were given just a week to say goodbye to her before she was moved into a temple which she was only allowed to leave for 13 days each year. She has a written a book called 'From Goddess to Mortal' with Scott Berry.

Image: Surya Bonaly at the 1995 World Championships
Credit: Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/TempSport/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Outlook

The backflip that shocked the Olympics

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service