As people note the absence of Black figure skaters at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, they also remember and celebrate one of the greats of the sport, three-time Olympian Surya Bonaly of France.
Known for her jumping prowess and incredible backflip, which she learned how to land on one foot, Bonaly’s story is captured in the new illustrated book, “Fearless Heart: The Legacy of an Olympic Figure Skater.”
Now a coach living in Las Vegas, she still doesn’t see many young skaters of color, but at a recent book signing in Austin, Texas, she met several people of color who asked questions about her career. “It’s coming little by little,” she said. “I teach the Learn-to-Skate program at my rink in Las Vegas, and I do see a few kids of color. It’s nice to see.”
Bonaly said Murphy was very enthusiastic and he found the publisher, Triumph Books. Although it’s geared for young readers, anyone touched by Bonaly’s skating will appreciate it. “Fearless Heart” is illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams. Bonaly finds Williams’ work amazing—both artistic and true to life. They spoke many times so Williams could create illustrations accurate to Bonaly’s recollections.