In Milan, the audience at the Ice Skating Arena is captivated by the spectacular backflips performed by figure skating superstar Ilia Malinin. These daring acrobatics have become a highlight of the event, generating significant applause and admiration from spectators. However, the show's enthusiasm is met with scrutiny, as some experts, including Swedish skater Andreas Nordebäck, argue that these moves may lack originality and are not particularly challenging for a skater of Malinin's caliber.

Nordebäck notes that the backflip performed by Malinin might actually be one of the simplest moves in his repertoire, suggesting a disparity between the audience's appreciation and the technical value of the performance. This brings to light an ongoing conversation in the figure skating world about the balance between showmanship and technical proficiency. While the crowd’s excitement is crucial for the sport's entertainment aspect, the implications of valuing spectacle over skill could influence how performances are judged and critiqued in the future.

The event in Milan not only showcases Malinin's talents but also emphasizes the complexity within figure skating as a competitive art. As the sport evolves, the challenge will be to maintain a high level of artistry while also catering to audience preferences. It raises questions about what will be celebrated in the future of figure skating: the dazzling displays that thrill the crowd or the technical feats that represent the sport's true athleticism.