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You surely know Surya Bonaly, this iconic figure who revolutionized figure skating. Born on December 15, 1973 in Nice, Surya is now 51 years old. Yes, time flies! She is 1.67 m tall, and despite the challenges, she has remained an icon of French and global sport.
daughter of a Réunionese mother and an Ivorian father, Surya was adopted at eight months by Suzanne and Georges Bonaly. This ray of sunshine – yes, that’s what her name means – took the ice by storm with a unique, inimitable style.
What has always amazed me about her is this crazy boldness. She created a move, the famous “Bonaly”: a backflip, legs straight, landing on one foot. Simply mind-blowing. No wonder people still talk about her today.
But behind the glitz and achievements, there is also a story of exile, struggles, and injuries, and frank talk about sometimes delicate subjects such as racism in her sport. Honestly, her journey is quite a saga.
Surya Bonaly, the queen of skating: from Nice to legend
Before dazzling the world, Surya was not a kid destined for success. Adopted by a loving couple, she had to fight against prejudice, both inside and outside the ice. It should be known that in the ‘80s and ‘90s, being a Black woman in this sport was not easy, to say the least.
Passionate about her sport, she climbed the ranks through sheer will, defying the rules and codes of traditional skating. Her journey took her far, to the United States where she now lives and coaches in Las Vegas, breaking away from the coldness of Boston, her first American city.
Nine-time French singles champion, once in pairs, she also made her mark on international podiums: five European titles, three-time world silver medalist. Enough to impress anyone, right?
But what one does not easily forget is her famous backflip on one blade at the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games. A feat you won’t see anywhere else…
A career marked by struggles and controversies
Surya is also that athlete who sometimes had trouble with the system. The famous episode when she refused the silver medal at the 1994 World Championships? Oh, that caused quite a stir! She felt she wasn’t given her true place, and frankly, it was a legendary clash.
She often hinted, half-words, at the racial discrimination she suffered. Without wanting to dwell on it, Surya implied that being white and American would have changed many things for her career. It’s sad, but it also sheds light on her journey.
Despite everything, she does not label figure skating as a racist sport, but admits that France could have supported her better. That gives food for thought…
You can learn more about this complicated chapter in specialized media, notably through this moving interview here.
Commitment off the ice and a new breath as a coach
Far from being only a legendary skater, Surya is also involved in social and cultural life. Ambassador against racism in sports, long-time vegetarian animal rights defender, she has never backed down from ethical battles.
She even took part in campaigns against bullfighting in France or seal hunts in Canada, with sincere and sometimes radical commitment. One cannot say she went unnoticed.
After 1998, she turned to coaching, notably in Las Vegas, where she lives today with her partner, Pete Biver, also a skating coach. She travels a lot and continues to passionately pass on her passion and knowledge.
A nice picture that reminds us that a sports career is only a chapter, sometimes real life starts after the spotlight. Her recent story says a lot about this bittersweet transition.
Highlights from Surya Bonaly’s career and personal life
- ✨ Creation of the backflip with straight legs, unique figure named “Bonaly”
- 🏆 9-time French champion (singles) and once in pairs
- 🥈 3 silver medals at the World Championships
- 🌍 Exiled in the United States for 20 years, became an American citizen
- 💔 Suspicion of racism, refusal of medal in 1994, notable clash
- 🐾 Active defense of animal rights, campaigns against bullfighting and seal hunting
- 👩🏫 Coaching career in Las Vegas and Minnesota, touring worldwide
- 📚 Author of an illustrated children’s book published in 2022
Current news and projects of Surya Bonaly in 2025
In 2025, Surya is more than ever a respected figure in skating, both for her past competition record and her role as a coach. She continues to participate in galas and international events, blending show and unique style.
She also regularly returns to France, notably as godmother of the 2022 World Championships in Montpellier, where she shared her exploits and struggles, always with touching frankness.
Recently, she is working on new educational projects to pass skating on to the new generation while remaining true to her values of authenticity and pushing boundaries.
You can follow her news and influence through recognized platforms like L’Équipe or discover her battles in the specialized press here.
How old is Surya Bonaly?
Surya Bonaly was born in December 1973, so she is 51 years old in 2025.
Why did Surya Bonaly refuse a medal?
At the 1994 World Championships, she refused her silver medal, denouncing an injustice linked to biases she perceived in the judging, possibly marked by racial discrimination.
What is the “Bonaly”?
It is a figure skating move invented by Surya Bonaly: a backflip with legs straight and landing on one foot, unique in her record.
What does Surya Bonaly do today?
After her competitive career, she turned to training and coaching, mainly in Las Vegas, while participating in galas around the world.
Has Surya Bonaly suffered from racism?
She hinted at the subject, stating that her skin color made her path harder, although she does not describe skating as a racist sport.
