[2022.03.29] Quadruple Axel 2022 Beijing Olympics Special

[yuzurujenn]

Men's Figure Skating Fan Book Quadruple Axel 2022 Beijing Olympics Special

 

Author :   Edited by Yama to Keikokusha
Release date :  Released on 2022.03.29
Sales price  :  2,090 yen

 

Info: https://www.yamakei.co.jp/products/2821907480.html

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

 *Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: Quadruple Axel 2022 Beijing Olympics Special, pg 46-53

Info: 

https://x.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1509064663337627648

https://x.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1509066431589076993 

 

 

[Special guest]
Shae-Lynne Bourne (talking about Hanyu Yuzuru): "Nobility and pride"

 

At the Beijing Olympics, Yuzuru Hanyu performed two competitive programs, "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso" and "The Heaven and Earth". We spoke with Shae-Lynn Bourne, who choreographed both pieces, to hear about the behind-the-scenes creation of the short program and the significance of the Quadruple Axel challenge. (Text by Yukiko Ogawa, Tatsuya Murad)

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Please tell us about Yuzuru Hanyu’s performance at the Beijing Olympics. First, how did you view the entire event?

Shae-Lynn (hereafter "Shae"): Well, for many people, including myself, this was an Olympics that we watched "from the outside" through broadcasts and TV coverage. With almost no audience in the arena, it made for a very different kind of Olympic Games. I watched from home, and while I was very excited, I was also nervous while watching. I think anyone would feel the same way — you always want the person you're involved with to perform their best. As for Yuzu, like everyone else, I knew he would be attempting something new. Of course, being at the top is important, but his ultimate goal is to challenge an area that no one has ever accomplished before, an unprecedented feat. As a prelude to that, he had already attempted the 4A (quadruple axel) at the Japanese Nationals, so many people were excited and curious to see what would happen at the Olympics.

I was deeply moved by his courage to take on something new. There was an incredibly high risk involved — if he failed, he might have missed the podium. However, for him, it was necessary to take on that risk in order to attempt something new. This is because he had already proven he could win the Olympics twice, so there was no need to prove whether he could win. That achievement was already in the past. For him, attempting this jump was his "medal." It was a proof of his strength. In the end, he didn’t achieve the result he hoped for, but I think his courage and challenge inspired excitement all over the world. I want to praise him for being brave enough to take on such a risky challenge, and at the same time, I am very happy that he challenged himself with his goal.
Once again, he elevated figure skating to new heights. With his exceptional ability and bravery, he has expanded the limits of other athletes. At the same time, he also created a sense of excitement and inspiration for those watching. People who were watching his performances must have been thinking, "What is he going to do next?" There’s no doubt he brought a thrilling sense of vitality to the sport.

Interviewer: Do you think that the option to deliver a perfect performance in the free skate without attempting the quad axel was ever considered by Yuzuru Hanyu?

Shae: From the beginning of the season, he dedicated himself entirely to attempting this jump. When I first spoke with him about the choreography for this season’s short program, he shared with me what he was aiming for and his dreams. I believe this dream had been with him since he was very young. He was incredibly focused on it and had no intention of giving up. His goal was simply, “I will give it my all and do my best with what I can do at that moment.” That was his objective, and he was determined to pursue it.
On the other hand, if you ask whether he had other options, I would say he always did. Especially after finishing the short program, it is common for athletes to consider adjusting their strategy. Should they accept the risk? Or should they avoid it? After the short program, all options are on the table, so there are always choices. But in his case, I felt his intentions were so clear. “I have nothing to lose, so there’s no reason not to try.” That’s the energy I felt from him.

Interviewer: Many people were expecting a third consecutive Olympic win from him, so I imagine there was also pressure on him.

 

Shae: We would have to ask him directly to know for sure, but he has already achieved Olympic victory. If it was his first win, some people might say, "It was luck." But when he achieved it again four years later, no one could say that. To win back-to-back Olympic gold medals is an incredible feat that no one can easily replicate, and no one can deny the magnitude of that accomplishment. He put in tremendous effort to achieve that, and it wasn’t just physical ability and talent — it required mental strength as well. And even after four more years, people knew that he was in a position to aim for the top again. Within that context, I believe he found his own "new gold medal." That was his challenge of the 4A.

Interviewer: After the competition, Yuzuru Hanyu revealed that he had sprained his ankle. Where do you think his unyielding spirit comes from?

Shae: Not only figure skaters, but all athletes are constantly training to reach higher goals. But what is ultimately needed is mental strength. It could be said that 90%, or perhaps 99%, of it comes from the strong will to say, "I will do this!" Even in the face of barriers and stress that could distract you, it’s the mental strength to deliver when you need to. The very act of competing is incredibly challenging. I’m sure you’ve all seen how, when he steps onto the ice, he is always completely focused and in the zone. That is the strength of his mental power.

Mastering the 4A (quad axel) is not only mentally demanding, but also physically exhausting. The physical toll it takes on the body is enormous. The amount of energy that is drained from the body is truly incredible. Although he left the competition without a medal, I believe that through this event, the people grew even prouder of him than before. So, what he lost is nothing, and rather, he gained even more, including the admiration of his fans. That’s how I feel.

Interviewer: In the short program, there was an unexpected incident where his edge got caught in a hole on the ice, causing him to miss a jump.

Shae: My heart almost stopped! It was such an uncharacteristic event for him. At the same time, knowing how much effort he had put into getting to that point, it really pained me. But when accidents happen, I believe we can learn and grow from more than just that moment. I feel like this is life. It’s full of those lessons.

Interviewer: His performance after that was so outstanding that it made us forget about the earlier mistake.

Shae: Exactly. One of the most difficult and challenging aspects of figure skating is that no matter what happens, you can never show disappointment, such as a sad expression after a mistake. In sports like ice hockey or alpine skiing, there’s no need to focus on “showing beautiful expressions” or “expressing emotions.” But in figure skating, even if a mistake happens, you must keep the flow of the performance as if “everything is fine.” If you don’t, you could get points deducted for not shifting to the next performance or not expressing the program fully.

But he was perfect in this regard. This is something that comes from regular training. Even in daily practice, there are small mistakes, but the fact that he was able to perform like that in the competition proves how much attention he pays to those small details in his daily training.

Interviewer: In last season's competition, he found himself getting stuck in the groove he had created during the 6-minute warm-up, which affected his performance in the actual event.

Shae: It's something that can happen. Especially in the past, during the era when compulsory events were held, if your skating order was last, the ice conditions were often at their worst. Everyone follows the same pattern, so grooves get carved into the same spots. So, we would think in advance about how to get through if we happened to hit a hole or groove (laughs). This is something that you can't control. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it results in a disappointing outcome. In Yuzu's case, it was just an unfortunate event.

For him, that jump (the quadruple Salchow) is something he can make look easy, like he could do it in his sleep. So, that incident must have been hard for him. But he performed the rest of the program as if nothing had happened and gave his best. After a mistake like that, many thoughts go through the skater's mind. What’s important is to regain composure and finish the performance. There's still work to be done. And he did that with grace.

Especially when he finished his performance and stood up straight, exuding pride and dignity, I thought it was truly magnificent. He didn’t lose the elegance that is characteristic of a champion. It was a very professional display.
Even with such an accident, the fact that his greatness as a skater wasn’t diminished is, in a sense, remarkable. On the contrary, it highlighted his sportsmanship, grace, and professionalism even more. After that, he continued with his performance, executing another quad jump, with no wavering in his determination to reach his goal.

Interviewer: As a competitor, the pursuit of results is inevitable, but at the same time, as we saw with Hanyu, sometimes just the act of challenging itself can move people's hearts. Is it possible to balance pursuing results and challenging yourself toward what you seek?

Shae: Each athlete has their own story and journey. Winning a medal, stepping onto the podium, and acquiring the necessary skills to achieve that. Some people set these as their goals, and whether or not they achieve them is a separate matter. For others, the act of striving for those goals itself is victory. As far as the Olympics are concerned, simply making it to the competition is an immense achievement. Earning the right to represent your country is already a huge victory. There are athletes who set a personal best but still don’t reach the medal podium. But for them, it might have been their best performance ever. Everyone’s story is different.

In Yuzu’s case, he has followers all over the world who know his journey. They know what he has achieved. And that includes two Olympic gold medals. And not just any gold medals, but Olympic gold medals! Athletes who consistently achieve such results have many people cheering for them. These people have already become part of his journey, growing alongside him as they follow him. For them, this Olympics wasn’t about wondering, "Can he win?" That had already been accomplished. Instead, this time, it was about, “Can he land that jump?” In other words, he completely changed the concept of what was at stake.

It was a risky challenge. If successful, it would have been amazing, but there were also significant risks. But by taking on that challenge, he drew his huge following into the thrill with him. His followers also felt the risk, experienced the suspense, and shared that same sensation. And that, in itself, is the beauty and excitement of sports. You can’t predict the results. You may have an idea, but until the results come in, you don’t know. But that’s what makes it exciting, and it’s why everyone becomes so captivated.

This year’s men's singles was truly captivating in that sense. Yuzu took on a huge risk and challenged something completely new. Not only that, but he also showcased amazing quad jumps and inspired the many challengers from different countries. I’ve heard many people around me say that this men’s singles competition was a fantastic one, with many athletes delivering their best performances and fiercely competing against each other.

Interviewer: I'd like to ask about the creation of this season’s short program "Introduction and Capriccio Capriccioso." When did you first hear from Hanyu about choreography for this program?

Shae: I received a request from Yuzu in early October of last year. His request was for me to add my own unique nuance to the program.

Since he had already started working on the program with Jeff (Jeffrey Buttle), I shared a variety of things with Jeff at that point as well. I wanted to clarify from the start that everyone involved in the program would be on the same page and work together with the same vision. Jeff was very happy about collaborating with me.

Yuzu already had a general idea for the story of the program, and the worldview he wanted to express was clear in his mind. My task was to choreograph based on that vision and add my own sensibilities to the program.

When he talked about the vision and feelings he wanted to convey through this music, I felt something quite strongly. It became clear to me that the themes and emotions we feel in the program come from a special place inside Yuzu. When he performs from that special place, it’s pure, and it speaks directly to people’s emotions. What he wanted to add to the program at that point was exactly that element. So, we started the process by listening to his thoughts first.

Once I heard what he had to say, choreography ideas immediately came to me. When I stood on the ice afterward, even though he wasn’t physically there, I could feel what he was experiencing as if he were right next to me.

After that, I sent him videos of my skating and communicated the meaning behind the choreography, and we continued this exchange for about two weeks. By the time that work was finished, he himself felt that it was “complete.” It seemed that he had gotten closer to expressing what he wanted to convey through this music in his skating.

Interviewer: What kind of worldview did Hanyu want to express with this piece?

Shae: What I found interesting was the opening part. He imagined a world that was gloomy, dark, and cold, like the outside world. It’s a vast land with no clear visibility.

When I stood on the ice, imagining this world, ideas immediately came to me about how to express it through skating. I instinctively felt what kind of movements he needed to make so that the audience could feel that "coldness."

From the moment he finished the first jump, the situation shifts. From there, he begins to see something. It’s like imagining a snow globe. Before you shake the globe, it’s a still, lifeless world, right? But as soon as you start shaking it, motion is created, the snow flurries, and everything brightens.

In the same way, he finds something in that world. It’s like light, but not just light—more like memories... moments from his life. These memories could be about fans, or being with people close to him, or even his coach. Those memories come back to life on the ice. And that joy fills him up. As he moves toward the next jump, those memories keep flooding back, but they also disappear just as quickly.

In the final step sequence, he no longer sees those lights, but instead, he makes a decision. He strips away all those past events and decides, “I will live in the moment right now.” In the final steps, he exposes his soul and empties everything from within himself. Whether it was good or bad in the past, he carries all of it on his shoulders and pursues what’s ahead. With all the ups and downs of his life held within him, he gives everything to the end, emptying himself entirely.

That’s the broad idea. I’m sure if you asked him, he’d explain it in more detail, but I think you can feel the essence of what this program means to him. I think he’s at a point in his life now where he’s reflecting on everything he has experienced—both the good and bad times—and following the path of his journey and legacy.

Interviewer: This is a wonderful story. Would you mind explaining while watching the performance video?

Shae: Sounds great! Let's watch the video.

At the start, he has his back to the judges. When he turns, he doesn’t focus on expression so much, but rather conveys intensity (strength, focus).

Starting with his back turned, when he turns around and lowers his arms, you can really feel the weight, the gravity of it. From there, he moves into the steps with ease. The beginning is dark and heavy. He expresses this through a wide, expansive pose with his arms outstretched. But it’s very quiet here, with no overt expression of emotion. That’s the meaning embedded in the opening part.

(After the first jump) From around here, while retracing memories, he begins to see light. Each time he sees the light, he reaches for it, but when he does, it disappears. Then, another memory appears. It’s like flashes continuing one after the other.

In the final scene, here he is completely alone, fighting to release all the highs and lows of life, all the joy and pain, everything, from within himself.

The music during the step sequence is very colorful. It expresses chaos, but at the same time, it is beautiful. Every detail holds power and a sense of struggle, but that battle is laced with dignity. He approaches this competition with deep respect, always genuine, never sparing any effort. Even if there’s a hole in the ice or a part of his body is in pain, he never gives up and continues to skate. He does so as an athlete.

The problems athletes face come from the intense physical demands. But it’s not just physical; sometimes, it’s also mental. So, when facing such difficult times, where do athletes draw their strength from? In his life, he has confronted everything, whether personal or external, and has faced it head-on with all his might.

For me, this is what I would call "art in competition," and I feel that he himself is the embodiment of that. He skates from a very deep place within himself. He has a rare sensitivity to music, and his unique style allows him to express music in such a way because it comes from within. It’s not something that can be taught. But if it’s something he already has, then it can be brought out. In any case, it’s something inside of him.

When the moment to perform arrives, he connects with that part of himself. And in the ending of this program, he gives everything that’s within him. Physical strength, emotion, and mental energy—all of it is drawn from within him to become one. He never gives up.

Interviewer: So, there is a grand theme of looking back on his long career and reflecting on it, isn't there?

Shae: Yes, looking back on his career... or rather, the moments in time. Those moments are things of the past. We can remember and reflect on them, but we can't keep holding onto them. The reason is that our lives continue, and new things constantly appear before us. And that keeps going on, consistently.

For example, one thing that many athletes struggle with is, when they retire, they suddenly start thinking, "Who am I?" People remember them for things like "the person who did this" or "the one who did that," but in reality, that’s just one chapter in their life. Their life continues after that. In life, challenges, goals, and curiosity continue on; there is always more. There's never enough time. So, the question is how to process that and move forward. How to set new goals and keep progressing without being confined to any one shape.

This short program comes from such a place for him. It comes from a deeper, more meaningful place within his heart. If you watch him, you'll see that every year he improves, matures, and continues to grow consistently. You can actually feel that by watching his performance and skating.

Interviewer: So, to express those emotions, the piece he chose was this one?

Shae: Yes. As far as I know, he always chooses the music himself. He always understands what he wants. He may make some arrangements or adjustments, but he takes time to feel what he wants to express and what piece he can connect with. I’m glad that he is able to give himself the opportunity to follow his own voice like that.

Interviewer: This piece originally was for violin, but it’s been arranged as a piano piece, which is more fitting for him, isn’t it?

Shae: Yes, it was a Japanese artist's performance, right? It really has become "Yuzu’s piece." It’s definitely his signature.

Interviewer: Is this kind of piano piece more suitable for Hanyu to express himself?

Shae: That’s one of the characteristics of classical music. In general, you can express yourself with any kind of music, but classical music allows you to take yourself into a dreamlike world. That’s because, for example, it doesn’t come with a specific story like a movie theme song would. You can interpret it in your own unique way and express it, and the audience doesn’t have any preconceived notions. That’s the joy of performing classical music. You can use it as you imagine, as you wish, and express what you feel in the moment.

Interviewer: Was the choreography created smoothly?

Shae: While choreographing online, I spent a lot of time watching him skate. He learned the choreography by watching the videos I sent him, and then he skated on the ice while I watched it live. This way, I could make adjustments in real-time, so it felt like I was right there with him on the rink in Japan (laughs).

Interviewer: Usually, choreography is created from scratch, but this time, with a foundation already in place, it was more about building on top of that. Was this a different process?

Shae: It certainly was a new experience. However, it wasn’t a particularly high-bar challenge. In terms of choreography, this was a new experience, but it was very interesting. At the beginning, Yuzu said to Jeff and me, “I’m really excited that the two of you, who have worked with me all this time, are collaborating.” That was very nice to hear. He said that we would make a great team. I think that Yuzu felt that both of us were there to support his performance, and that was actually a very good choice. He could feel the presence of people supporting him from behind. By collaborating, I think he felt that his support system was stronger, and in that sense, it was quite significant. With us forming a team, I believe more energy was directed toward him.

Interviewer: A wonderful team. On the other hand, was the free program also brushed up for the Olympics?

Shae: No, we didn’t make changes to that. We focused on the short program, and as for the free, Yuzu really wanted to work on it, but he needed time for the 4A. That was the area he wanted to focus on the most. He wanted to spend as much time as possible on the 4A. It was a completely new challenge, so he had to explore the best practice methods, and everything took time. So, we didn’t work on brushing up the free program. We focused on the choreography for the short program.

Interviewer: This time, Hanyu spoke often about his 9-year-old self, including the challenge of the quadruple Axel. He said that the final pose in the free program was the same as the last pose in the program he skated at 9 years old, and when the performance ended, he was reflecting on his younger self at that time.

Shae: The final pose was something he himself wanted. The pose where he stretches both arms to the sky while keeping his feet on the ground represents "heaven and earth." He might not have told me that it specifically linked to his childhood, but it certainly symbolized a very important moment, and I believe it was something that helped him recall and revive his early experiences. He has several special moments or memories that have deep meaning for him, and bringing them back gives him strength. It's a way for him to connect with his blade, the ice, and himself, immersing in his own life. Also, by doing so, he can shut out distracting noises from the world. This is his own unique method. And this too is one of the ways he expresses his soul. I think for him, reviving those past moments was very meaningful. The younger version of himself, the dreams he had, what he had accomplished, and now, the realization of those childhood dreams—connecting all of this from his journey up until now. By using that pose at the end, he made the final moment of the program even more meaningful.

(Watching the video of his performance at age 9)

Clearly, his talent was already evident back then... However, no matter how talented he was, talent alone wouldn't have been enough to achieve what he has accomplished. When I think about that, I truly realize what an amazing career he has built... (reflectively).

Interviewer: As a result, many people were deeply moved by Hanyu’s challenge and performance at the Olympics, and received a wonderful gift.

Shae: Exactly. His skating is truly genuine. He handles each element with care and pours meaning into it. That’s why those who watch his performance leave the rink with unforgettable memories. A performance that stays in people's memories—that’s a testament to his ability. There are so many people around the world who admire and look up to him, and they too are part of his journey. The way he works hard, pours himself into his skating, and connects with others as a human being—it’s truly beautiful that he can fill his fans with that. In doing so, he has elevated the sport of figure skating in many ways. Thanks to him, the number of figure skating fans has increased dramatically.

What makes me happy is the opportunity I’ve had to work with him. Every time I get to work with him, I’m always grateful. Getting to know him and connecting with him on a personal level has been an incredibly fulfilling and almost unbelievable experience. And to be able to see what he expresses take shape and be shared with the world—that’s something special. Also, I really love how he connects with the audience. Every time, I believe he offers some kind of gift to those who watch him. Through that, the sport itself becomes more invigorated. More and more people are coming to watch and are joining the figure skating family.

But the more he gives, the more he also receives. This Olympics truly symbolizes that. It's not just the gold medal, but the effort he has put in and the value of what he has given. It was something unforgettable.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing such wonderful words. Finally, could you please give a message of support for Hanyu and for his fans?

Shae: Hi, Yuzu! You already know this, but I want to tell you that you are truly an inspiration to the world. I love you, and I love everything you’re challenging yourself with. I’m grateful for the opportunity to know you and for every chance we’ve had to work together. Every time you step onto the rink, I am deeply moved by the light of your soul and all that you give to us. And thank you for pushing the boundaries of the skating world. Thank you for always showing us exciting and amazing performances. Your legacy will shine forever. I’m truly happy to have met you.

And to Yuzu’s fans, thank you so much for your warm support. Also, thank you for always throwing Pooh bears onto the rink! Thank you for watching him, supporting him, and showering him with so much love. Without all of you, the skating world wouldn’t be what it is. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting skating, for cheering for Yuzu, and for making this sport filled with such gratitude. 
 

 

 

 

Profile
Born in 1976, from Canada. As an ice dancer, she competed in the Olympics three times (1994, 1998, 2002), and won gold medals at the World Championships (2003) and the Four Continents Championships (1999, 2001, 2003). After retiring, she became a professional skater, choreographer, and coach, working widely. She has created numerous programs for top skaters around the world, including Yuzuru Hanyu.

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: Quadruple Axel 2022 Beijing Olympics Special, pg 54-55

 

 

Popular series - Utsunomiya Naoko
[Words of Shoichiro Tsuzuki]

 

Shoichiro Tsuzuki drew a small circle on a white sheet of paper with a red ballpoint pen.

 

"Here is 180 degrees, and here is 360 degrees. And around here is the point where the ice makes contact. Even with a triple axel, you come down at an angle like this. Backward."

 

We are talking about the Beijing Olympics. To be more precise, we are discussing Yuzuru Hanyu's performance.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Tsuzuki was more eloquent than usual. He used a lot of hand and body language. He even got up from the sofa at times.

His beloved student had challenged a three-time Olympic gold medal win. He attempted the unprecedented quadruple axel. There’s no topic more passionate than that. I think that is what it is.

 

"So this time, Hanyu landed on one foot, like other skaters do triple and a half. He was in the position to land a quadruple and a half backwards. He was in the position, but he couldn't stop the rotation."

As he spoke, Tsuzuki spread both arms horizontally, straight and wide.

 

"This is called a 'check.' It is the final movement to stop the spinning. If he had been able to do this 'check,' I believe there was a possibility that he could have stood up. You open what was tightened. He couldn’t do that, so he couldn’t pull his foot back. As a result, he fell. If only he had been able to do the 'check'... I think if he had completed it there... But at this stage, that was probably his limit. Hanyu himself also said, 'It was my best axel,' and I believe the results of his practice were fully reflected. Although it wasn’t fully completed, when you watched with your own eyes, you could think, 'Ah, he probably did it.' I think Hanyu did really well. Without a coach, practicing late at night, he built it all on his own. He truly did something extraordinary. He showed people a world no one could have imagined and opened the doors to history. The ISU (International Skating Union) officially recognized the attempt of the quadruple axel. Hanyu created a new wave in figure skating."

 

I watched that challenge on TV. Yuzuru Hanyu seemed to have detached himself from the concept of being a skater. He simply existed there, beautifully.

 

He views the Olympics as "a place where victory is at stake." He can say that because he is a strong competitor. I truly think he is thoroughly strong. He is entirely different. It goes without saying, but he shines.

 

He didn’t achieve a three-time Olympic victory in Beijing. But he did not lose. He is praised and loved by people all over the world. For example, on the Chinese version of Twitter, "Weibo," the search term "Yuzuru Hanyu's 4A has been recognized by the International Skating Union" has been searched over a billion times.

The Beijing Olympics have ended. But Hanyu is still caught in a whirlwind of intense emotions. He remains there, still as the champion.

 

Shoichiro Tsuzuki refers to Yuzuru Hanyu's performance to "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso" as a "traffic accident." It’s that short program where his foot got caught in the groove, and the quadruple salchow turned into a single rotation. Hanyu's ranking was 8th.

 

"It was like a traffic accident. I don’t think even Hanyu imagined it. When so many people are attempting quadruples, the ice gets deeply damaged. Then, by some chance, you end up in a place that’s not your curve. It was a big traffic accident."

 

Originally, the curves are all different, so it’s rare for them to go off track like that. Especially since Hanyu is a skater who values his imagery, he is very much in control of his own curve.

 

Even for a skater like that, it ended up happening in that way.

 

Afterward, Tsuzuki mentioned "traffic accident" several more times. "If that hadn’t happened, he would have been first in the short program," he also said.

 

However, there was no sense of frustration in his words. Of course, Tsuzuki had hoped for Hanyu's three-peat. But more than that, he was delighted by Hanyu's challenge of the quadruple axel.

 

"This is just my guess, but Hanyu had a strong desire to achieve the three-peat. He was determined to accomplish it. Once he was in 8th place in the short program, to beat Nathan Chen, the quadruple axel was absolutely necessary. That’s why Hanyu went for it. If he just wanted a medal, there was a safer way to score points. It was a very strategic way of thinking. But he didn’t do that. He took the risk. He bet on himself. He put all the effort he had built up into it. That is the greatness of Yuzuru Hanyu as a person."

 

In the free skate, Hanyu performed to "Heaven & Earth". There were falls on both the quadruple axel and the quadruple salchow, but the program didn’t fall apart. Or should I say, he did not break the program.

 

Figure skating is a sport that combines technique and art. In the artistic aspect, he was perfect. I think the expression "dancing" suited him.

 

Hanyu's ranking in the free skate was 3rd, and he finished 4th overall.

 

"He may not have won, but I think Hanyu felt a sense of satisfaction that he achieved what he set out to do. At the same time, I believe many people were deeply moved by his spirit of challenge."

 

In a post-competition interview, Hanyu said, "It might have been an unrewarded effort, but I did my best."

 

Tsuzuki speaks: "I don't think that's 'unrewarded effort.' What he tried to do was pushing himself to the limit. There is something very noble about his determination to challenge himself, even when he wasn't in ideal condition. I really want to praise Hanyu. I think he did an incredible job. I am filled with gratitude. I believe I'm not the only one who feels this way. I want to convey that to Hanyu. So many people watched and were moved by the Olympics. They were impressed."

 

The true meaning of 'doing your best' resonates in the heart. That is why Yuzuru Hanyu was so beautiful that day. His sincerity brings happiness to others. Some people even call him 'a god.'

 

After discussing these topics, we talked again about the quadruple Axel. It's a difficult discussion to understand without footage.

 

"Look at the angle of the feet from this perspective. It's in the air, and right now, the weight is shifted backward. At this moment, if the weight had been shifted forward, he would have landed facing backward. But if the hands were in the opposite position, it would be the 'check.' If that happens, the posture would allow for the feet to exit in the 'check' position. Look at this posture, it's perfectly straight. To be able to balance while spinning like this is truly incredible. His body is tight, and he's spinning on a small point. This landing feeling—look, the hands are behind, the face is forward. So, the upper body is already rotating, and only the feet are still in motion. He's jumping from here and facing that way, right? See? His face is already at the point of the four-and-a-half rotations. His face is looking here. The only issue is that his feet couldn't quite reach this angle. That's all there is to it."

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's quadruple Axel was almost complete. That's what Tsuzuki had.

 

 

Naoko Utsunomiya
Non-fiction writer and essayist. Active in the non-fiction fields related to medicine, human nature, pets, and sports. As a life’s work, she is dedicated to covering and writing about figure skating. Recent works include "The Man Who Raised Yuzuru Hanyu: Shoichiro Tsuzuki's Path" (Shueisha Shinsho) and "Before Yuzuru Hanyu Was Born: The History of Men's Figure Skating in Japan" (Shueisha).

 

Shoichiro Tsuzuki
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1938. Winner of the men's singles at the 1960 All-Japan Junior Championships. After graduating from university, he became a coach, and in 1977, he led Minoru Sano to win Japan's first bronze medal in men's singles at the World Championships. He has had strong connections with the Russian (former Soviet Union) skating world and worked to advance Japan’s skating scene by inviting renowned coaches for seminars. He has nurtured numerous coaches and skaters who now support the current skating world. While at a rink in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, he coached Yuzuru Hanyu during his elementary school years.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: Quadruple Axel 2022 Beijing Olympics Special, pg 104

 

 

The 90th Japan Figure Skating Championships 2021.12.22-26
Text by Junko Kuro

 

1st place: Yuzuru Hanyu

 

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Q: How do you feel after reflecting on today’s free skate performance?

A: I’m tired. It’s not completely exhausting, but I think I managed to do about 60% of the practice including the quadruple axel, so I think I managed to hold on.  However, I was a little disappointed because I couldn't jump so much in practice, and I was mentally quite overwhelmed until the actual competition. Looking at that, I felt that it's really hard to use jumps that haven't fully succeeded yet in competition.

 

Q: How do you feel about your performance of the quadruple axel in this competition?

A: Well, I feel like I did my best. I have been able to jump for about 2 weeks, and it led to my quadruple axel on the first day (of the official practice). Before that, I had been jumping with too much power, unable to find my axis, not completing enough rotations, and I fell and hit my body many times, jumping like I was going to die, but eventually, I started getting there. However, it’s not something I can do every day. So honestly, I'm still at my limit. I need to be confident that I can create an axis, and then I need to give it my full 100%. But if I was able to do it at this level in the competition, I think that’s about as much as I can manage right now. It’s frustrating, though.

 

Q: Will you continue this challenge toward the Olympics?

A: Before the NHK Trophy, my condition was even worse than it is now, but I was finally able to stand up. I thought to myself, "I can stand now," but then I sprained my ankle, and after that, I had a lot of stress that led to esophagitis and a fever, and I couldn’t do anything for a month. Honestly, at that point, I was thinking, "I’ve managed to get this far, I haven’t fallen, maybe I can quit now." Hearing people say, "Only Hanyu can do this," or "You can do it, Hanyu," makes me really happy, but inside, I felt like I had reached my limit and kept thinking, "This is enough." I struggled a lot, but I kept saying to myself, "Just a little more," or "Since I’ve come this far, I want to keep going." Well, I might be causing a lot of trouble for everyone, but I’ll keep pushing just a little more.

 

Q: What made your condition better two weeks ago?

A: My training method has been gradually solidifying, and I started to understand various things, such as "this is the training I need to do to achieve this," and I feel like I'm slowly learning from it. Even though I understand it, it doesn’t mean I can immediately perform it, so I know I need to keep building on it, step by step.

 

Q: What was the process like from thinking "Maybe I should quit" to restarting the challenge?

A: Honestly, I was feeling quite anxious. I could feel my body deteriorating the longer I didn’t jump, and I was clearly falling behind the deadlines I had set for myself, so there was this frustration, like, "Why can’t I jump this?" At the same time, I started to feel like, "Is it really necessary to keep going if I can’t do it despite all this effort?" I started feeling some resignation. But I really tried my best in my last practice before the All Japan Championships, and fell about four times with a quarter of the way to go, when I would have been judged a Q. At that time, I thought a lot, and I thought, "I can't quit at this All Japan Championships," "I've come so far," "It's for my own sake, but it's a dream that everyone has entrusted to me, so I want to make it come true."

 

Q: Earlier, you mentioned "practice like you are going to die." Can you tell us more about the details and the amount of training?

A: I’ve never really thought about how many times I jump, but I do limit the number of attempts per day. I only restrict the number of attempts for the quadruple axel, but I practice things like triple axels or single axels, which are necessary to reach the quadruple axel. I do those kinds of drills over and over, practicing dozens of times, just like I did in the official practice. When I say "going to die," it’s more in a mental sense. Nobody has ever jumped before. Everyone says, "It doesn’t feel possible." The process of being able to do it is really just walking in the dark. Every time I practiced, I thought, "I might hit my head, get a concussion, and die."

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: Quadruple Axel 2022 Beijing Olympics Special, pg 36-43

 

 

Special Report – Yuzuru Hanyu

Quadruple Axel engraved on the ice

 

 

His original intention—.

Yuzuru Hanyu, the reigning champion of men's figure skating, opened a new chapter in history at the Beijing Olympics as he aimed for a third consecutive gold medal. The quadruple axel (quadruple axel = 4.5 rotation jump) that he attempted at the beginning of his free skate ended in a fall, but it was the first time that a quadruple axel was attempted and "certified" at an International Skating Union (ISU)-sanctioned competition. Since achieving back-to-back victories at the PyeongChang Olympics four years ago, Hanyu, despite struggling with injuries, has continued his solitary challenge as an absolute champion. This moment marked the fruition of his remarkable journey. (Interview and text by Editorial Div.)

 

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The world watched with bated breath. February 10th, Capital Indoor Stadium. The opening of Yuzuru Hanyu's free skate "Heaven and Earth" at the Beijing Olympics. A parabola was drawn on the world’s highest stage. The axel, taught to him by his childhood coach Shoichiro Tsuzuki as the "King's Jump," reached its highest level. From takeoff to landing, he felt a definite sense of accomplishment. In that fraction of a second world that only Hanyu has experienced, we caught a glimpse of the completion of the ultra-difficult move that he had been challenging with “the greatest motivation” after the PyeongChang Olympics.

 

"This is the speed of the quadruple axel rotation," Hanyu said as he entered the landing position on one foot and landed on his right foot. It seemed like success was within reach, but in the next moment, his injured right foot could not withstand the landing.

 

His first competitive attempt was at the 2021 Japan Nationals (Saitama Super Arena). At that time, the quadruple axel was under-rotated and resulted in a two-footed landing. It was only awarded base points for a triple axel.

 

This time was different. Although it was judged as under-rotated, it marked a historic achievement, as it became the first time in the world that the base score for the quadruple axel was counted in the judging.

 

Hanyu himself felt the most significant sense of achievement. After his free skate, he shared, "I think the Axel was probably the closest I've ever come to (successfully), and I think it was the ‘best Yuzuru Hanyu's Axel’ I could do now. I think I was able to do my own version of quadruple axel."

 

Hanyu's right ankle had been in pain before his performance. Right after the routine, he hesitated to talk in detail, saying, "I’m really unsure whether to go into specifics. I’ve had a lot of help with it. That’s why I managed to stand up somehow." The day before, during the official practice, he had sprained his right ankle when he fell while attempting the quadruple axel.

 

On February 14th, Hanyu attended a press conference at the request of the media. At that time, he revealed, "It might sound like an excuse, but I sprained my ankle during the practice the day before the free skate. In a normal competition, I probably would have withdrawn. Even now, the doctor told me I need to rest for another 10 days. It was that bad. The official practice that morning was so painful that I didn’t know what to do. But about 10 minutes before the 6-minute warm-up, I got an injection and decided to compete. That injection, along with the injury and the frustration from the short program, all mixed together, and I think the adrenaline helped me perform my best axel."

 

His challenge in adversity bore fruit. "I concentrated on jumping with all my might, aiming for the highest axel, and focusing on finishing it as fast as I could. I think I reached the highest point of that jump. After the Olympic back-to-back wins, these four years of struggling with this ultra-difficult move finally culminated in a form close to completion, with it being recognized."

 

Let’s look back on Yuzuru Hanyu's Beijing Winter Olympics once again.

He arrived on February 6th. After landing at the airport, he was surrounded by local staff in protective suits due to infection control measures, heading toward the venue of the competition. Before arriving, the Japan Skating Federation’s official Twitter posted a video in which Hanyu enthusiastically stated, "At the Beijing Olympics, of course, I want to go for the win, including the 4A." He also raised three fingers on his right hand and hinted at his desire for a third consecutive Olympic gold.

 

On the 7th, Hanyu appeared at the practice rink near the venue, where about 100 reporters watched him test the ice. He smoothly performed a triple salchow and a triple toe loop, and attempted the quadruple axel, which he planned to use in his free skate, eight times. However, he still did not achieve success, with falls and under-rotated landings on both feet.

 

Hanyu entered the competition site fully aware of this. After practice, the 27-year-old spoke to the press, saying, "In past Olympics, I felt like if I could just perform what I had trained and what I've done well up until now, I could win. But this time, I'm competing in a state where I still need to grow and improve."

 

Despite this, he said, "I think I was able to concentrate really well," reflecting on his first practice. "Of course, at the start, there was some nervousness, and there were adjustments I had to make to the ice and within myself, but in the end, I think I was able to practice while staying focused, so I think it was a good feeling."

 

His presence stood out once again at this competition. When it was announced that Hanyu, a favorite in China, would not be at the Japanese team's first practice for the team competition, which was held before the individual competition, the local media immediately reported the news. The world was watching to see whether he could achieve two monumental feats: a third consecutive Olympic gold and success with the quadruple axel.

 

About a month had passed since being selected for the Japanese national team, and Hanyu had declared firmly before the All-Japan Championships, "For me, the Olympics is not a showcase; it’s a place where I must win." During this time, he had continued practicing the quadruple axel. "I’ve been practicing the 4A quite a lot. It’s definitely difficult, but it’s a goal I really want to achieve, and I believe it’s absolutely necessary for me to move forward in this Olympics. I’ll do my best." The curtain was about to rise on his third Olympic Games.

 

However, a huge upset occurred during the short program on February 8. At 1:19 PM, at the start of his performance, Hanyu missed a quadruple Salchow, which he is good at. As he jumped, his balance faltered, and it unexpectedly turned into a single rotation. He lost a key jump that would have earned him GOE (Grade of Execution) points, but after that, he finished his routine without losing composure. He then made his way back to the spot where the Salchow had failed. What caught his eye was a slight groove in the ice where the blade had caught just before he jumped.

 

"I think I got caught in a hole," he said.

 

Hanyu had a bitter memory of a time when his edge caught in the jump trajectory during the 6-minute warm-up before his performance, causing him to miss the jump. His skating, which is so precise that he can "control it down to the millimeter," turned that misfortune into motivation. During this 6-minute warm-up, he was so focused that he even adjusted his jumps to avoid the same situation, shifting his trajectory from the actual performance.

 

The 4-rotations Salchow was performed with "perfect form and perfect timing." However, after the warm-up, a hole, likely created by a toe jump from another skater, threw him off balance. "I can't do anything about today's mistake. There's nothing I can do about it," he said, looking to the sky.

 

Hanyu had prepared thoroughly for the event. He had planned to perform his short program on the main rink without any prior practice on it, and made the decision to arrive at the venue just before the event began for a reason. "For me, the longer I stay at the venue, the more I start to lose focus. Since I moved up to senior competitions, I’ve felt that the longer I stay at the venue, the worse my condition becomes. Even at World Championships, it’s a long time, and if I stay too long, I get too intense and tire myself out. So, when the team event members were announced, I decided to arrive as late as possible."

 

Perhaps this is why he didn't fall apart despite the early accident.

 

"In my mind, it wasn’t really a mistake. I didn’t lose focus at all, and the program still came together as far as I’m concerned," he reflected.

 

Even though he started in 8th place, he didn’t look down. "I’m very grateful to have scored 95 points. I want to praise myself for being able to improve the quality of my other performances." He also emphasized, "I’m feeling really good. The 6-minute warm-up went really well, and I still have a great sense of physical stamina. I’m in great condition and will be ready for the free program."

 

Regarding the regrettable incident, he said, "I’m wondering if I did something wrong (wry smile). There was definitely a different atmosphere due to the Olympics. But I was in a really good state of concentration, and nothing felt off, so I’m still trying to process it. I didn’t make any mistakes in my skating, so I kept thinking, maybe I did something to make the ice dislike me. I felt like the ice really didn’t like me." He spoke with rare vulnerability, but his spirit remained unshaken.

 

"Well, I just need to make sure I don't get caught on the ice (wry smile). I'm starting to think maybe I really need to do "ten good deeds a day," not just one good deed a day. That's the level of effort I've been putting into my training. As for the performance, I think I’ve arrived with a lot of confidence. After that, it's really up to the gods, so to speak. There’s still time, so I want to make the most of it and, while receiving everyone's thoughts, I hope to turn it into something truly complete."

 

February 10. The free program was where the fateful quadruple axel challenge and the outcome of his third consecutive victory would be decided.

 

In the group just before the final group, Hanyu performed to the theme song "Heaven and Earth" from the NHK Taiga drama featuring the Sengoku warlord Uesugi Kenshin as the main character. This program, which incorporates the ultra-difficult move, was one he had been practicing since last season, with the idea that only with such a move could the performance be perfect.

 

As previously mentioned, the highlight of his performance was the quadruple axel. He also fell on the subsequent quadruple salchow. His right leg had reached its limit.

 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanyu had not been able to return to his training base in Toronto, Canada, and had continued practicing alone in his hometown of Sendai. In figure skating, it is highly unusual to practice without a coach. Nevertheless, he continued to challenge himself with the quadruple axel, a move that no one had ever landed before. The path was not easy, and even Hanyu described it as "just walking through darkness." Additionally, he faced bad luck in the short program at the Beijing Olympics, followed by a sprained right ankle during the official practice the day before... In this heart-breaking situation, he took a painkiller injection and stepped onto the ice. However, his right leg could no longer withstand the shock of landing.

 

Even after the short program, Hanyu had never given up on his third consecutive victory. In the official practice the day before the free program, he changed his jump composition and stacked up the base points to the 'limit'. If his right leg were in perfect condition, he was determined to make a comeback with his highest-difficulty program.

 

After everything was over, and the free program had concluded, Hanyu looked up at the sky. There was a few seconds of silence—Hanyu's time seemed to flow alone in that moment. He later reflected that in that moment, he was reminded of the nine-year-old version of himself, who had harbored the ambition to "become an Olympic champion someday".

 

"That pose actually had the meaning of the heavens in "Heaven and Earth" and the image of sending one's soul to the heavens. The final pose of the program 'From Russia with Love' that I skated when I was nine years old was the same. While combining the feelings of that time... many emotions were swirling around in me. I think the story of my program was encapsulated in that pose and the moment when I sheathed my sword and left the ice."

 

His third Olympics did not end with the same scenery as his previous victories, where he had triumphed over any adversity. But still, Hanyu had given his best.

 

"My honest feelings are that I gave everything I had. I clearly did a better axel than in previous competitions, and I do feel that I was just a little bit away from perfection. But... I think that was my everything. I feel like, in a sense, the story of "Heaven and Earth" was completed only because of those two mistakes in the first half. To be honest, I think I tried as hard as I could. Although it may have been unrewarded effort. There were a lot of things that didn't go well from the short program onwards, and if anything, I'd say there were only things that didn't go well. But I gave my all."

 

At the Sochi Olympics, Hanyu made his debut on the dream stage at just 19, rising to the top. At the Pyeongchang Olympics, he overcame a pre-competition injury to secure his second consecutive gold. The road to the Beijing Olympics was filled with struggles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, but even so, the champion never stopped pushing forward. He proudly stated, “I think this Olympics was filled with my pride.”

 

There is no such thing as unrewarded effort—Hanyu likely realized this after the competition ended. After shedding his battle “armor”, he smiled and enjoyed the practice for the exhibition scheduled for the last day of the Olympics, as well as the actual exhibition itself. He even frolicked on the ice with the event's beloved mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen, and posed for photos with local volunteers. He was also delighted when he was “carried like a princess” by a Chinese ice dance team member.

 

On February 14, four days after the free skate, Hanyu held a press conference attended by reporters from both domestic and international outlets. At the beginning of the conference, he raised his hand to offer praise to Nathan Chen, the gold medalist, and expressed his gratitude for the Olympics being held despite the challenges of the pandemic.

 

“Before we start the questions, I would like to say a few words. Nathan Chen, who won the gold medal, gave a truly wonderful performance. I also want to express my thanks to the volunteers and the people who made the ice for the event. There were unfortunate mistakes during my short program when I got caught on the ice, and there were some regretful parts, but it was a really easy and comfortable rink to skate on."

 

What was Hanyu thinking during the few days after his competition schedule ended? He reflected, “I was thinking about a lot of things. About attempting the quad axel, about not succeeding, about everything I’ve worked for, the value of the journey, the value of the results… I thought about so much. But my ankle hurts. I couldn’t practice much jumping, and I’ve been taking strong painkillers. But I wanted to skate here, so I did today. These past three days made me feel even more grateful for all the support I’ve received."

 

Hanyu also commented in the press conference about his journey and challenges, saying, “I don’t think I’m the only one who is special. Everyone takes on some kind of challenge in their lives. I think that's what it means to live. There is nothing that isn't a challenge. For me, that’s what the quad axel and the Olympics were all about. I would be happy if this can be an opportunity for you to recognize yourself even a little."

 

The phrase “two-time Olympic champion” will never fade from his legacy. "My three consecutive victories are gone, and I may have been relieved of that pressure, but I am still an Olympic champion and someone who achieved back-to-back victories. I want to live with pride and continue in a way that ensures I won't be criticized. I want to live so that when my future self looks back at today, I can hold my head high."

 

February 20th. During the exhibition, Hanyu performed a beautiful routine to “Haru yo, Koi” with the sound of piano, marking the closing of his third Olympic journey.

 

On March 1, the Japan Skating Federation announced that Hanyu would not be competing in the World Championships (Montpellier, France) due to his ankle injury not being fully healed. Meanwhile, on March 4, he appeared in a video on the Japan Olympic Committee's official Twitter. Regarding the 2030 Sapporo Winter Olympics bid, he commented with a smile, "I want to participate too. I'm really looking forward to it." He then waved and said, "See you in Hokkaido, Sapporo."

 

Once his injury heals, where will Hanyu head next?

 

"I want to shape my skating into something that I can be truly satisfied with. I want to perform in a way that makes everyone think, ‘I want to see more!’ Whether it’s in ice shows or competitions, I want to keep performing so that when people watch, they'll think, ‘I really love Yuzuru Hanyu’s skating.’"

 

We are sure that Yuzuru Hanyu will continue to present work that will not disappoint his fans.