Ep 1. The Miscast Champion

In Losers (2019) season 1 episode 1, titled "The Miscast Champion," viewers are introduced to the world of professional figure skating and the story of Surya Bonaly, a French athlete with a controversial reputation in the sport.

The episode begins with footage of Bonaly's infamous final performance in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. In a move that shocked the judges and the audience alike, Bonaly attempted a backflip during her routine, a move that was considered illegal in international competitions. The move ultimately resulted in a deduction of points and a lower placement for Bonaly.

The episode then delves into Bonaly's upbringing and how she came to be a figure skater. Bonaly was adopted as a young child by French parents and began skating at the age of three. As a black woman in a predominantly white sport, Bonaly faced discrimination and prejudice from an early age. However, her determination and talent propelled her to success, and she became a four-time European champion and a world silver medalist.

Despite her success, Bonaly often found herself at odds with the figure skating establishment. She was known for her rebellious attitude and unconventional style, which often clashed with the expectations of judges and audiences. The episode argues that Bonaly's race and gender also played a role in the way she was perceived and judged by the figure skating community.

The climax of the episode centers on Bonaly's attempt to win the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Despite a strong performance, Bonaly narrowly missed out on the gold medal, finishing in second place to Ukrainian skater Oksana Baiul. The episode explores Bonaly's disappointment and her controversial decision to throw off her silver medal during the awards ceremony, a move that was widely criticized at the time.

Overall, "The Miscast Champion" offers a fascinating look at the world of professional figure skating and the challenges faced by athletes who don't fit the traditional mold. It's a story of talent, perseverance, and the difficult choices that come with chasing success in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.