The "Tornado"

Mike is first skater to land back full on ice, the "tornado"

Mike is the first person in the world to land what he calls the "tornado". It is a back flip with a full twist.

"It was a lot of fun to be the first person to do the "tornado" in figure skating," Michael said. "My dad was an Olympic gymnast, and I started practicing it this summer with his help. Boy, it’s scary the first time you do it!"

Click here to see the tornado in action.

Click here for a view of the practice.

Photo ©2002 by Chris Putman Michael takes off for the "Tornado" during his interpretive free program at the Hallmark Skater's Challenge in Columbus, Ohio. He completed the attempt, marking the first time that a back flip with a full twist has been completed in competition.

Mike in the middle of his amazing "Tornado"./From Pantinage magazine