Welcome to the story of the backflip, a move that's become synonymous with athletic prowess and daring. But who actually invented this iconic maneuver? Let's dive into the history of the backflip and explore the different claims surrounding its origin.

While there are many claims about the backflip's origin, the most credible and notable account comes from professional surfer John Florence. John Florence is a top-tier aerialist and competitor, known for his incredible surfing skills, especially his backflips.

Although John Florence has never landed a backflip in competition, he's shared his technique through an interactive graphic and an Olympic promo piece with ESPN. He breaks down the backflip into six crucial steps, emphasizing the importance of positioning and commitment.

Step 1: Getting into position. Position yourself on the wave to gain maximum speed, aiming for the clear water where the wave is not breaking.

Step 2: The pop. Nail the 'pop' off the wave, which is essential for the flip.

Step 3: The flip. Immediately grab the board with both hands, look back behind your left shoulder, and initiate the spin. You are spinning and flipping simultaneously.

Step 4: Commitment. Commit to the flip, especially in smaller waves, as it is crucial for a successful rotation.

Step 5: Stopping the flip. Let go of the board with your hands to stop the spin and flip. If you continue to hold on, you will keep flipping.

Step 6: The landing. Look down at your board, see where you are going to land, and extend your body to slow down the flip for a smooth landing.

Now, let's shift gears and explore a humorous and fictional account of the backflip's origin. This story, posted on Reddit, is a work of satire, but it's a fun and entertaining take on the backflip's history.

The story goes that in the summer of 1853, a man named John Backflip was dillydallying in the meadows when he came across a beautiful white-nosed deer. To impress the deer, he decided to jump backward and, midway through the jump, thought, 'Why don't I flip?'

The deer was impressed, and they spent the summer together. The idea of the backflip later made John Backflip millions. Of course, this is all a fictional tale, but it highlights the enduring fascination with the backflip and its origins.

Adding another layer of humor to the story is a YouTube short titled 'The Tragedy of John Backflip.' This video is a comedic take on the fictional John Backflip, using hashtags like #history, #gymtok, #gymnast, #olympics, and #gymnastics.

The video plays on the idea of John Backflip as the inventor of the backflip, adding a humorous twist to the story. It's a reminder that the backflip, despite its serious athletic applications, can also be a source of amusement and lightheartedness.

So, while John Florence is a real surfer who has mastered the backflip on a surfboard, the story of John Backflip is a fictional and humorous account of the origin of the backflip. The backflip, a move that's both impressive and entertaining, continues to captivate audiences and inspire athletes across various disciplines.