Imane Khelif made headlines after winning Olympic gold in Paris 2024, then faced controversy over gender testing policies and her eligibility.
Ilia Malinin performed a backflip at the 2026 Winter Olympics, drawing praise and sparking discussions about racial bias. The move, called the 'Bonaly flip,' was pioneered by Surya Bonaly, a Black athlete whose legacy is now being re-evaluated amid the praise for Malinin's athleticism and the sport's evolving acceptance of diversity.