googoi

[k-morpheus]

An article exposing Japanese media harassment against Hanyu Yuzuru is gaining traction on Chinese Quora. Many netizens express their love and support for Yuzu in the comments. One reply stands out for its brilliance and emotion, so I translated it into English to share. I hope I've captured the essence of the original, as it moved me and fellow Cfanyus to tears. Hoping to inspire those still chasing dreams, love, and justice. 🩵

Before I begin, I'd like to say...

His unwavering pursuit of goodness, beauty, and purity is a beacon of hope for everyone.

He's like a pure idealist, continually challenging the unspoken rules of the world.

Truly, you’re the bravest, Hanyu Yuzuru.

Original Author of the post: fufu

“When addressing tabloids and media harassment against Hanyu Yuzuru, what truly saddens me is the realization that Hanyu had numerous opportunities to secure better protection and wield real power. He could have climbed the ladder to the top class, enjoying the best shelter. Even if he wasn't entirely immune to media harassment, he could have found respite in the celebrity space, a realm offering him the chance to confront shady forces on a level playing field.

But he chose not to.

Unfortunately, he now faces a vulnerable position, comparable to that of an ordinary person, or perhaps even worse, lacking defensive capabilities in terms of power and connections. Additionally, due to his consistently flawless reputation, he attracts more attention than the average celebrity, necessitating additional time to address relentless rumors. He is frequently compared to other athletes and idols with significant background and agencies. Furthermore, he is even expected to behave like a member of the Japanese Royal Family – a truly distressing situation.

Hanyu Yuzuru is, in fact, a contradictory figure — high in social status but low in actual societal power. The crux of this predicament stems from his extraordinary excellence, purity, and goodness.

His meticulous dedication to figure skating, wholehearted connection with audiences, and unwavering commitment to supporting his hometown, Sendai, have led him to sacrifice many personal benefits. He has generously contributed everything he can to the economic development of Sendai and the Tohoku region. Consequently, it's challenging for him to sign contracts with agencies that might limit his freedom and prioritize profit over his interests.

He chose to commit himself to a selfless cause, laboring without the armor and weapons to shield himself, only to be ruthlessly harmed due to the absence of protection. Some of this harm originates from ignorant and mean-spirited antis, and, unbelievably, even from those who have benefited from his generosity, yet remain silent about his plight.

In a Chinese wisdom, there's a saying,

'Those who brings firewood for others should not freeze to death in the cold.

Those who pave the way for freedom should not be left stranded in thorns.’

We mustn't let those with a dedicated spirit be ensnared in adversity and disheartened; instead, we should exert our utmost efforts to assist them. When receiving favors, express gratitude to those who bestow them.

However, the harsh reality remains that those who selflessly dedicate themselves to others are inevitably left to freeze to death in the cold, marking one of the most tragic aspects of the world.

This reflects the same predicament that Hanyu Yuzuru faces in his active career. He could have easily chosen to be a casual participant within established rules, but he never did. To preserve the authenticity he cherishes in his figure skating, he refrains from taking shortcuts. Despite the apparent benefits readily available, he stands firm. Even with his impressive achievements and honors, he continues to be systematically excluded from the figure skating community.

From a societal perspective, he had the chance to join the upper class that exploits others. Instead, he ended up becoming a thorn in the industry’s side. It’s not just about having another gold medal or a 4A certification intentionally taken away from him; it means becoming a lamb without protection, being harassed, slandered, and humiliated by the shady.

Even in the face of a reality that often validates endless pessimism, Hanyu Yuzuru remains steadfast in being true to himself. Much like how he would rather bear his wounds than compel his partner in a marriage to sacrifice for the illusion of perfection. He refrains from aligning with any power for protection, consistently giving up parts of himself…At least, his idealism remains unbroken.

Sure, if someday he decides he's had enough, and opts for an easier 'game' in society to pursue a more comfortable path and claim the power, capital, and support he rightfully deserves, I wouldn't blame him.

In fact, I'd breathe a sigh of relief.

Yet, should he persist in staying true to himself, I can only earnestly pray for a miracle – even if just once – where the last idealist in this world triumphs over all the ignorance, chaos, and filth. It would serve as a powerful reminder of how fighting for others, rather than chasing personal power and gains, is undeniably the right choice.

I used to strongly believe in the concepts of fairness, justice, and the idea that good deeds would be rewarded. However, with increasing exposure to contradictory situations and witnessing conflicts within the lower social classes where people harm each other senselessly, my expanding social experiences have brought forth a painful realization of the other side of the world.

Enduring constant setbacks and observing others facing similar challenges has led everyone, including myself, to gradually question the sense of justice we once held.

This has compelled us to adopt a philosophy of cunning strategies, transforming into individuals adept at navigating society for self-preservation, becoming mere mediocrities.

Yet, despite this transformation, there remains a heart, perhaps scoffed at as naive, that still beats within me.

I genuinely need people like Hanyu Yuzuru, those who can demonstrate through their success and happiness that, even in a society driven by self-interest, kindness is not foolish, and holding onto beliefs in fairness and justice is not naive.

As long as one works hard and is unafraid of sacrifices, one can live well, perhaps even better.”

RE_PRAY edit by X: Sun_Rise7777

[evgeniamedvedeva]

Yuzuru HANYU 🇯🇵 + World Records 

[the-real-xmonster]

Figure Skating, as Performed by Yuzuru Hanyu

[nanoka12]

Exclusive photos and long interview in Kiss & Cry--Yuzuru Hanyu: Be Myself

The open practice in Toronto, Canada at which many journalists also gathered this year. Hanyu, speaking about his new programmes, had a cheerful and calm expression. Half a year after his great feat of defending his Olympic title, what are the things he thinks of?

Keep reading

[nanoka12]

Exclusive photos and long interview in Kiss & Cry--Yuzuru Hanyu: Be Myself

The open practice in Toronto, Canada at which many journalists also gathered this year. Hanyu, speaking about his new programmes, had a cheerful and calm expression. Half a year after his great feat of defending his Olympic title, what are the things he thinks of?

Keep reading

[incandescentlysilver]

aerial shot of yuzuru’s 4T+3T || 2018 Winter Olympics 

[the-real-xmonster]

If you haven’t seen Yuzu jumping quad toe + Rippon triple toe without even taking his jacket off that’s fine but you really should see it.

[shiki-k]

Hydroblading Yuzu. That some crazy control and balance. And did he blow a kiss *at Akiko*? loll 

[yonkaitens]

Good things that happened during yuzu’s 24th year on earth    ↳Happy 24th birthday! Get well soon ♡

[chibihao]

♡ Happy 24th Birthday, Yuzu! ♡

[yuzu-hanyus]

“Precisely because I am alive, I must make the most of everything.” 🌟 Happy 24th Birthday Yuzuru!

[nanoka12]

Happy 24th birthday Yuzuru! 

お誕生日おめでとうございます。健康で幸多き一年になることを心より祈ります。

[redfar]

[goatyuzuru]

Yuzupedia: The Greatest Figure Skater of All Time

Yuzuru Hanyu (羽生結弦 Hanyū Yuzuru) was born on December 7, 1994. 

He is a Japanese figure skater who competes in the men’s singles discipline.

He is a two-time Olympic champion (2014, 2018),

a two-time World champion (2014, 2017),

a four-time Grand Prix Final champion (2013–2016),

the 2009–10 Junior Grand Prix Final champion, the 2010 World Junior champion, 

and a four-time Japanese national champion (2012–2015).

*Please note: Due to the flu, he withdrew from the Japanese National Championship for the 2015/2016 season. Due to a right ankle ligament injury, he withdrew from the Japanese National Championship, Grand Prix Series and World Championship for the 2017/2018 season and from the Grand Prix Final for the 2018/2019 season (despite of being the first qualifier for the GPF 2018/2019 season).  

Regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest figure skater in history, Hanyu has broken world records sixteen times - the most times among singles skaters since the introduction of the ISU Judging System in 2004. He holds the current world records for the short program, free skating and combined total scores in addition to the historical world records for all three segments for the era before the 2018-19 season. He is the first man to have broken the 100-point barrier in the men’s short program, the 200-point barrier in the men’s free skating, and the 300-point barrier in the combined total score. He is the first and only man to have broken the 110-point barrier in the men’s short program, the 220-point barrier in the men’s free skating, and the 330-point barrier in the combined total score for the era before the 2018-2019 season. He is the first man to have broken the 110-point barrier in the men’s short program in the current scoring system. 

Hanyu is the first Asian figure skater competing in men’s singles to win the Olympic gold. At the age of nineteen, he was the youngest male skater to win the Olympic title since Dick Button in 1948. He also became the first man to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals since Dick Button’s back-to-back titles in 1948 and 1952. 

At the 2016 CS Autumn Classic International, Hanyu became the first skater in history to successfully land a quadruple loop in competition. 

At the 2018 Grand Prix Helsinki, he became the first skater in history to attempt and land a quadruple toe loop-triple Axel sequence in competition.

He is the first men’s singles skater from Asia to win multiple World Championships.

He is the first skater from Asia to win the Grand Prix Final, Olympic, and World Championship titles in the same season (2013–14) and the only skater to do so since Alexei Yagudin (in 2002).

He is the first and only singles skater in history to win 3 consecutive Grand Prix Final titles (2013–2015).

He is the first and only singles skater in history to win 4 consecutive Grand Prix Final titles (2013–2016).

He is the first skater to successfully land 3 quadruple jumps in the second half of a free skating program (2017 World Team Trophy).

He is the first and only men’s single skater to end as world No. 1 in men’s single skating world standings for 5 consecutive seasons (2013-2018) since the latter’s establishment in (2001-2002) season.

In recognition of his achievements, Hanyu has been awarded with numerous accolades, most importantly the People’s Honour Award (in 2018) and the Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon (in 2014 and 2018).

Hanyu is regarded by analysts as a well-rounded skater, known for his ability to combine strong technique with mature and versatile artistry. The 2006 Olympic silver medalist Stephane Lambiel described him as “the most complete athlete in figure skating, probably ever.” Various media outlets and commentators have recognized Hanyu as the greatest figure skater in history, particularly after his second Olympic victory, for his consistency in results in a highly competitive field and ability to deliver under pressure.

His skating techniques include the Biellmann spin the doughnut spin. Both are known for their difficulty, for male skaters especially, due to the flexibility required. 

He is also known for his difficult entry to a camel spin. 

“Hanyu’s entry into this spin, similar to his triple axel, he doesn’t change his legs…He cannot make use of the power (from switching his legs), I think his control of the centrifugal force is excellent…Despite the difficult entry into the spin, the speed is fast and the position is beautiful.” – Suzuki Akiko

( cr: Translated by Ci)

Other signature moves include the layback Ina Bauer, the side lunge, the one-hand hydroblading.

His elements are praised for their high quality of execution and his jumps are noted for their precision, flow, and ice coverage. Hanyu is known for his  difficult triple Axel entries, usually from a patented back counter, a spread eagle, or twizzle. 

“Probably to those watching, he does it so casually, many might not realize the level of difficulty…Before the triple axel, he adds a counter turn before his entry into the triple axel…He uses the same leg to turn and goes straight into the jump. No matter how, the body will be off balance, but he has very good control and jumps. One cannot do this without good skating skills.” – Suzuki Akiko

( cr: Translated by Ci)

“He has some double three turns into that triple axel, which means that the momentum of your body, the centrifugal force is acting against the way that you want to be preparing for your triple axel. So the strength and just diligence it would take to get into the triple axel without having to sort of reset is incredible. I honestly don’t know how he does that.” – Charlie White from Yuzuru’s Otonal program in 2018 Grand Prix Helsinki

*Post on other Yuzuru’s triple axels here.*

Currently, Hanyu is able to execute four different types of quadruple jumps in competition – the toe loop, Salchow, loop, and Lutz. 

*Post on Yuzuru’s quads collection here.*

*Credit many of these information to Yuzuru Hanyu’s wikipedia and reference sources from the page. If I missed any crediting or if you would like me to take down your source, please message me and we can talk about it. 

Below are a few commentaries from commentators/coaches on Yuzuru’s program performances or about him as a skater.

“Welcome to Planet Hanyu, population one: Him.”  Massimiliano Ambesi on every perfect Yuzuru’s program.

“Figure skating is not such a high profile sport. When you think of the greats of this year:  Jordan Spiedth,  Floyd Mayweather, Messi, Ronaldo. This guy (Yuzuru) in his sport is as good as they are.” Simon Reed on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2015 GP Final Free Program Seimei

“It’s a historic moment. I compared it to the day men landed on the moon.“ Carol Lane on Yuzuru Hanyu. (?)

“It’s like he’s on a mission to be not just the best in the world, but the best there has ever been.” Carol Lane on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2016 Worlds Championship Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1 “Too late, he already is…And you know what, not everybody gets him. Like some people actually find him a little boring. How is that boring? The intensity is boring? ” Kurt Browning on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2016 Worlds Championship Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1

“Figure skating is so lucky to have a Yuzuru Hanyu. He is a great ambassador for the sport and he continues to push it both artistically and technically…I almost feel bad being so complimentary of his jumps because I don’t have time to talk about how amazingly he did this program. I mean from start to finish it was complete. Everything was where it needs to be. When I talk about some of the other skaters needing to be specific with their head or their facial expression or their hands, you see Yuzuru Hanyu and you begin to understand exactly how perfect you can make things just simply through dedication, experience, and working. This kid works and work and works to make it look like that, and we are the beneficiaries, frankly.” Charlie White on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Helsinki Short Program Otonal

“And another reason why someone like Hanyu is such a great ambassador for the sport because they do have an appreciation for the past and for former skaters, for people who meant something for the sport.” Andrea Joyce on Yuzuru. 2018 GP Helsinki Short Program Otonal

“The finest figure skater ever.” Simon Reed on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Helsinki Free Program Origin

“That is everything you could ever want in a short program. The complete package; he balances the artistic score and the technical score like no one I’ve ever seen. The best ever. He has the jumps, he has those quads, he has the performance ability. It was perfection.” Tara Lipinski on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1

“What’s the most unbelievable to me about all of this is somehow he’s getting better. He was unbeatable a few years ago and this is even stronger. He’s putting out such amazing quality. His musicality is every improving, his spins are as well as anyone else in the world, and when you’re jumping with that sort of ease. It just looks like he’s doing a watered down program even though it’s elite, it’s the hardest program in this event and he does it so comfortably that it looks like just a simple runthrough…The biggest thing about Yuzuru is the jumping passes are just part of the choreography. He has so much flow in, so much flow out, and he gets right back to the program as quickly as he can and it’s just stunning…It’s just awesome time to be a figure skating fan and to be able to watch somebody at their peak like Yuzuru Hanyu.” Ryan Bradley on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup Short Program Otonal

“There’s something about recreating enough energy after a Quad Toe to step forward and do a Triple Axel, and you can’t explain anybody else unless you’re in the skating world. Mathematically, it’s just math for the judges, but you’ve got to be impressed by something like that.” Kurt Browning on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Helsinki Free Program Origin

“Maybe just not the best there is, but maybe the best there ever will be. He’s that good.” Carol Lane on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Helsinki Free Program Origin

“A different way of talking about Figure Skating on television. The Best There Is, The Best There Was and The Best There Ever Will Be.” Massimiliano Ambesi on Yuzuru Hanyu’s 2018 Winter Olympics Victory

“There’s Grand Prix, there’s Rostelecom Cup, and then there’s Yuzuru Hanyu. Someone above it all. Him, and no one else.” Massimiliano Ambesi on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup Short Program Otonal

“I’ll begin not from today’s skating. I’ll  begin with that many (people) called Hanyu another planet’s figure skater, sportsman that descended from the heaven. He has awesome abilities, which he is embodied where he needs to do it – on the ice…His ability to be beautiful not only on the ice. He has his own line conduct which his sports team with his coach unlikely could suggest…There is something else, that was given (to him) from higher/supreme being. Someone, maybe, will win over Yuzuru at the ice. But he is inimitable in life.” Rafael Arutyunyan on Yuzuru Hanyu after 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup Short Program Otonal

“Every element was delivered beautifully. He skates with sort of a reckless abandon, it’s organic to him. Watching this… This was a masterclass.” Scott Hamilton on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1

“I’d give +5GOE but some judges will give him +4 because they think they’re immortal & still have time to see another genius.” Tatiana Tarasova on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup Short Progam Otonal

“We just witness greatness. He is superior to any other male figure skater out there. In my opinion, Johnny, I don’t know is he the best skater of all time?…You look back and there’s been incredible male skaters, but none of them are doing quads like this and skating with that type of passion.” Tara Lipinski on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2015 GP Final Free Program Seimei

“It isn’t just the quads, it’s the quality of the quad. It isn’t just the jumps, the skating is beautiful. The delicate touches, the ina bauer, the biellman, that none of the other men are doing. It’s the stacking, everything from top to bottom.” Johnny Weir on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2015 GP Final Free Program Seimei

“There are good skaters, and there are great skaters, and then there’s Yuzuru Hanyu who is on a whole other level.” Carol Lane on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2014 GP Final Free Program Phantom of the Opera

“And a very, very attractive machine to watch out on ice.” Simon Reed on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Victory

“Dance, pair, ladies, he’s the strongest out of all the world’s skaters. He’s a masterpiece. I’d like to watch him in Vancouver too.” Alexei Mishin on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup 

“Also, because he has nothing to prove.” “Nothing at all.” Massimiliano Ambesi and Angelo Dolfini on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup Free Program Origin

“Take Yuzuru Hanyu for example. For me he is number one…He enjoys it when he is performing. He has charisma. I like his jumps. I like his choreography. I like his spins. I don’t know how to say it in English… if we (follow his example) – he does the everything: jumps, spins. He’s what we need in figure skating. Choreography, skating skills… we have other skaters who are good jumpers but their choreography is not quite (as) good. Not enough to take in the audience.” Evgeni Plushenko on Yuzuru Hanyu 

“I have to say, he is the greatest of all time. That’s for sure.” Brian Orser on Yuzuru Hanyu. 

“No strength to breathe! Thank you for the present, in the highest sense, art! Thanks for the hardest jumps, made with absolute musicality ! Thank you for the path you showed to all the athletes of our sport. With respect and love!” Tatiana Tarasova on Yuzuru Hanyu

“Hanyu has done a performance for the books, Hanyu is the greatest skater than has ever stepped on the ice in the entire history, period. There has never been one like him and I don’t know when there will be another one.” Angelo Dolfini on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2017 Worlds Championship Free Program Hope and Legacy

“The living legend of the figure skating world Yuzuru Hanyu is on the ice. I think no more words are needed here.”  Julia Lipnitskaya on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2017 GP Rostelecome Cup Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1 

“Look at the energy. He is the end of this program, which is essentially a sprint where he’s doing some of the hardest elements that we see in our sport, and he is flying through this footwork. His body is constantly moving. Trying to do that when you’re fatigue without look fatigue is one of the hardest things in our sport that we ever have to do.” Ryan Bradley on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2015 GP Final Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1

“Those are the kind of things that make Yuzuru Hanyu such a well-balanced, complete skater. It’s not just the jumps, which are also incredible, it’s everything in between.” Tanith White on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Gala Exhibition Notte Stellata

“I am an atheist but I believe he is the god of Figure Skating.” Alexei Yagudin. 2018 GP Rostelecome Cup Short Program Otonal

“This is really the moment for me. Right to his fans & he takes that quintessential, legendary figure skating moment, leading into the footwork sequence…It’s that moment where you say:  ‘Here I am. Yes, I’m your hero.’” Tanith White on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Short Program Chopin Ballade No. 1

“At this point, there is nobody that can beat a perfect Yuzuru Hanyu.” Johnny Weir on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2015 GP Final Free Program Seimei 

“It’s a beautiful piece of music called ‘Hope and Legacy’ by Joe Hisaishi. This piece is so quiet and so delicate it takes a skater as good as Yuzuru to make this work.” Johnny Weir on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2016 GP NHK Trophy Free Program Hope and Legacy

“Impressive, the best free that has ever been skated by Yuzuru Hanyu, and that means that this is the best free that has ever been skated in history. 125 of TES are something incre- …terrific. It can annihilate anyone, I imagine it will be much more than 90 PCS, this is a performance-” Angelo Dolfini on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2017 Worlds Championship Free Program Hope and Legacy

“90? I’ve never seen anything like this! You cannot not give 100 PCS, you cannot not give 10 for everything, because there’s never been something like this. Interpretation, 10! Choreography, 10! Transitions, 10! Do you even want to talk about that, look at the others! [it means, you can compare what the others do and what he does :P]. Performance, 10! Skating skills, 10, this is the best you could see, complexity of edges and steps that we’ve never seen. I repeat, go on, because  I feel like crying, because this is an incredible performance, a historic moment for sport in general, incredible, a living legend… 97.08 is a scandal, we’ll have to take note of that.”  Massimiliano Ambesi on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2017 Worlds Championship Free Program Hope and Legacy

“Hanyu is…the best ever. There has never been one like him.”Angelo Dolfini on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2017 Worlds Championship Free Program Hope and Legacy

”But in the end the title goes to the most anticipated athlete, one of the most famous athletes when it comes to the Winter Olympics. Who can be compared to Hanyu? Maybe Shaun White, maybe. Back to back Olympic titles, 2014 and 2018. This was the most difficult of the two, because of everything that has happened: a bad injury, a long time off ice, many doubts regarding his condition, leaving out two jumps he really cared about…let’s hope he may be in Milan for Worlds. He is the current World champion…two World titles, two Olympic titles, but it’s not the number of his medals that makes the difference, it’s the quality of what he does. And here he is, Olympic Champion, Hanyu Yuzuru, symbol of these Olympic Games [among men].” Massimiliano Ambesi on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Free Program Seimei

“It is difficult to imagine. It’s not just the quantity but the quality of what he does, not only the quantity of medals he has won, but how he has won them. Sometimes dominating the field, winning even by huge margins, but also showing that he can fight when the occasion asks for it. We’ve seen some truly legendary competitions among the men in the last few years.” Angelo Dolfini on Yuzuru Hanyu. 2018 Winter Olympics Free Program Seimei

Please share some of your favorite commentaries about Yuzuru Hanyu.

[evgeniamedvedeva]

Yuzuru HANYU 🇯🇵 + World Records 

[yuzusorbet]

 Journey of Giving Back Continues

An interview published on 10 May 2012 where Yuzu talked about his sprained ankle at Worlds 2012, the earthquake in 2011 and how it changed him, and briefly on the change of coach from Nanami Abe to Brian Orser.  

Japanese article by Takaomi Matsubara: (translated by yoko71)

He gave everything he got to that performance - it still glows in my mind even though several weeks have passed.

Yuzuru Hanyu won the Bronze Medal at his very first Worlds back in March in Nice, France. At 17, he was the youngest Japanese man to do so. After having been regarded as the next figure skating star after his accomplishments in the Junior circuit including the gold medal at Junior Worlds, he made quite a stride in two senior seasons. At Worlds, he showed us everything - his reliable quad, great flexibility, and the charisma.

It has been almost a month since Worlds. Yuzuru showed up at our interview in Sendai, and opened his mouth with a bit of a shy smile: “I may be overpraising myself, but I really do think I did pretty well in my first Worlds.”

It isn’t an overpraise, however, considering he even thought about withdrawing on the night before SP.

Thought of withdrawing due to injury

On March 29, Hanyu was practicing for next day’s SP. Throughout the season, he struggled with the 4TLo in SP. So he chose to keep trying it 5-6 times instead of quitting after 2-3 tries. That is when he landed an under-rotated 4tlo and felt a pain in his right ankle. He sprained it.

He could not walk at all that night. It was swollen the next morning.

“I thought about withdrawing when I could not walk that night.”

In the end, he decided against withdrawing.

I thought about all the people who support me, the team doctor, trainer, my mother who came with me, and felt that I owed them to do it.

He ended at the 7th place after SP in which he singled the triple lutz.

“I didn’t expect to double the second part of my quad combo, and then I didn’t land a very clean 3A. After that, I think my injured ankle affected my performance. I did try to protect my ankle while performing. With all that, and my lutz taking off on the right foot, I must have hesitated.”

He was disappointed that he could not end SP within the top 6. But more than anything, he was mad at himself for getting injured.

“I was most mad at me for getting injured. The sprained ankle resulted in the poor performance. I was mad at me for the practice.”

How did Yuzuru regroup for the FS that was coming up the next day?

“I thought about all the people around me. My mom told me I did well considering the situation. She and I talked about that I did okay because of the immediate support from the team doctor and trainer as well as the moral support from the audience and fans back home. When I realized that I am supported by so many people, I decided that I will give everything I have the next day.

He began his FS. He nailed the quad at the beginning, followed by a flawless performance. The audience’s cheer started to become louder and louder. Then he fell.

“I fell while I was on my left leg. I think my left leg was exhausted because I was trying to protect my right foot. Yeah, I was mad. Excuse me for my word choice, but I yelled ’$#@%^&’ during the following jump.”

How did he regroup so quickly from the fall?

“I heard the audience’s encouraging cheers when I fell. That made me want to do the best I could. Sure, I felt the pressure - Worlds is a huge competition. But the audience cheered louder because it was Worlds, and I think I was able to use all that, the pressure, the significance of the competition, the audience’s cheer, to my advantage.

After the fall, he finished the rest of the program flawlessly. The audience applauded even more emphatically. Hanyu did a small fist pump, then he bent over as if to bow.

“I rubbed my right foot and thanked it for holding up. I was just so thankful for my right foot!”

His FS earned 173.99, and the total was 251.06. Both the FS and total scores were well above his season’s best. In the end, his FS TES topped that of Chan’s. Despite the little fall, it was a great performance.

“It must have been hurting when taking off and landing jumps. But I didn’t feel any pain because I was so focused.”

The pain returned when he was being interviewed in the mixed zone. I started to feel the pain while I was standing and getting interviewed. But I didn’t want to make an excuse because talking to the media is how I can thank all the people who have been supporting me. After the mixed zone, though, I rushed to take of the boots and had my ankle iced. (laughs)“

In the end, he never even talked about the sprained ankle during Nice 2012.

“I didn’t want to let people know about it. Some workers and media people saw me with the ice, but the team doctor and trainer covered up for me by telling them that the ice was for a preventive purpose.”

This episode - that he didn’t let anyone know about his injury - reflects his personality. He didn’t want to reveal his weakness.

Hanyu watched his own performances on video afterwards.

“I saw me protecting my ankle every now and then. But maybe I skated with more care because of the injury. Also, it was important that my mind remained cool. The audience totally helped me with my last step sequence, the one that begins with my yell, with the loud cheers and vigorous clapping. During the step sequence, I was thinking - I’m gonna let the audience help me with this so I can conserve the last bit of my strength for the jump that’s coming up. I am so thankful that the audience gave me the strength. The owe the bronze medal to so many people.”

Before the season began, Hanyu said his goal for the season was to finish the season strong. His truly kept his words by skating an extremely strong FS at Worlds.

Pain and suffering of disaster changed his thoughts towards skating

While discussing Nice 2012, he repeatedly mentioned that the fans and supporters gave him strength. He said he changed a lot during the past year.

“The earthquake and tsunami changed me. The experience defined who I am.”

He was at his home rink in Sendai practicing when the earthquake struck on March 11. The ground swayed so greatly that it was not possible to stand or walk. He crawled out of the rink.

He and family spent several days at an evacuation shelter.

“It was hard, and I was sad. It was very hard to think about my and my family’s life and future. I was very sad about my hometown Sendai.

There was no electricity and no TV. There was little information about what was happening in the entire region. Finally, newspaper was delivered that showed the awful disaster.

“I saw pictures of the tsunami and all the damages. I was overwhelmed by sadness. I couldn’t think about skating. Even if I did think about it, I wouldn’t have talked about it.”

Despite the circumstances, he was able to start skating again within 10 days of the disaster.

“Several skating coaches invited me to their home rinks. It was starting to look like my family was able to settle down to a semi-permanent living arrangement, so I decided to go stay with a coach in Yokohama who used to look after me.”

Going back on ice would have been a welcome step forward at this point. However, he could not get his mind focused on skating. He kept feeling guilty: (Why am I even skating? Why am I jumping, spinning and skating while so many people are suffering?)

“I should have been ecstatic about going back to skating, but in reality, I felt burdened. I didn’t know what to do. It was the most difficult time.”

The difficult times ended in early April, when he participated in the charity ice show in Kobe hosted by Daisuke Takahashi and Kenji Miyamoto. He skated in front of an audience for the first time after the quake. The audience cheered him on as he spoke in front of them as well as skated an encore.

This show got him to start looking forward to skating again. He then skated in many subsequent ice shows.

One of those shows was an invitation-only show in late July in which those who were still living in evacuation shelters were invited.

After its finale, all the skaters left the rink and the show was over. Hanyu returned to the rink alone, and jumped a quad. He then waved at the audience and left the rink.

“I wanted to land a good quad during the program but couldn’t. I was unhappy with myself that I couldn’t do a perfect performance for those who are still living in shelters. To me, quads are the most difficult thing I can do, so I wanted to convey to them that their difficult situations will change as they remain positive and move forward.”

In the end, he skated in 60 ice shows.

“I wanted as many people as possible to see me skate. Also, by participating in shows, I was able to use the rinks for training, since my home rink wasn’t going to be repaired until summer.”

Before each show, He would come to the rink early so he could train. Traveling wasn’t easy, but this way he was at least able to prepare for the new season.

At every show, he was made to feel like he was representing Tohoku. He didn’t particularly like it.

“Towards the end of the summer when the season was approaching, I was definitely getting tired of being looked upon as a skater representing Tohoku. I wanted to be a skater, not "a skater from Tohoku.” I hated every time the media talked about me and mentioned that I was from Tohoku.“

In the end, though, he was able to come to terms with it.

"I think my attitude changed around the end of 2011. Now I feel honored to be representing Tohoku. If people associate my name with the disaster, and I remain as a top skater, then the disaster will not fade in people’s memories. This gives some meaning to me being here.”

He used to say he was skating for Tohoku. But at some point, he started saying that Tohoku was giving him strength.

“After Japanese Nationals, I had some free time so was able to read the fan mails. Then I realized that there are people who are helping me help people. Because of those who are supporting me, I am able to help. I realized that it is me who is being helped instead of the other way around.”

He wrote a reply to every single one of ~500 fan-mails.

“Lots of things happened and I had to deal with so many feelings and thoughts during the past year. Up until 3.11, I was like an innocent child, just chasing after my own dreams. But now I know that I am here because of all the people who support me. Now I know that I want to do well for those who support me.”

He continues that his performance has become more expressive because of all the things that happened since 3.11.

“There were incredibly difficult times, and there were great joys. I think I became able to handle a wider range of emotion because of these experiences. The joy I felt back in April when I skated for the first time in front of an audience was greater than any joy I felt before. Because of the disaster, I experienced stronger emotions than I ever felt before. I feel like I need to express these emotions, and also I feel like I am more capable of expressing them now.

The disaster that struck Hanyu also made him experience strong emotions. It made him more mature as a skater and as a human being.

By the end of the season, he had become one of the top international skaters. He talks about what is next for him:

"I want to become a great all-around skater. I want to be known as a skater who is good at everything. That would be the way to become an unbeatable skater. For now, my weakness is the skating, so I want to focus on skating. I hadn’t done much formal training on dance and expressions, so I think I want to take dance or ballet lessons.”

In order to further grow into the skater that he want to be, he made one important decision.

He decided to part with Nanami Abe who was his coach for many years. He chose Brian Orser as his new coach.

He first thought about Orser when he read an article on a skating magazine. The article talked about Orser’s Cricket Club in Toronto, and discussed how it boasts a number of coaches who take charge of different aspects of skating techniques.

“I’d never been in an environment where I would train alongside other top class skaters. That’s what made me want to move to Cricket Club. I want to be ready for Sochi. I will miss Nanami-sensei. I discussed this with her, and she gave me her wholehearted blessing. So, I really want to work hard, to give back to all the people who support me, and to Nanami-sensei.”

Yuzuru Hanyu is determined to keep reaching for the top. He has big plans for Sochi.

(END)

Source: Number 803号　2012年5月10日発売　独占インタビュー　松原孝臣　文　羽生結弦「恩返しの旅は続く」

Translation credit:  yoko71

Japanese article: [x] and [y]

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Exhibitions: Vertigo & Hello I Love You