[2022.02.22] Number Web - Timothy Goebel Interview about Yuzuru Hanyu's quad axel challenge at the Beijing Olympics

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

[2022.02.22]

 

Source: https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/852137?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20220222022629/https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/852137?page=1

 

 

"It was a personal victory for Hanyu" - The reason why the original "quadruple king" Timothy Goebel praised Yuzuru Hanyu's "quadruple axel challenge" 《Exclusive interview》

 

　Timothy Goebel became the first skater to land a quadruple Salchow in a competition in March 1998, and the first skater to land three quadruple jumps in one program at Skate America in 1999. After retiring from competition in 2006, he graduated from Columbia University and New York University’s graduate school, and now works at Google. We spoke to him in an exclusive interview about Yuzuru Hanyu's challenge to the quadruple Axel at the Beijing Olympics, and his message to the skaters who will lead the figure skating world in the future.

 

Spoiler

We first asked him for his overall impressions of the men’s singles at the Beijing Olympics.

 

“I’m really happy to see the evolution of jump techniques. Before the base values for quadruple jumps were readjusted, in the season before the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, many skaters began to avoid quads because the risk wasn’t worth it, and technical progress stalled for a time. That was clearly a mistake, and after the Olympics, the scoring system was revised. But even just in the four years since the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, the variety of quads and the number of skaters attempting and successfully landing them has increased. While men have been pushing these limits, now women are joining in as well. As someone who has really enjoyed pushing the technical boundaries in jumping, I find this very encouraging.”

 

We asked if he had ever expected a day when five different types of quadruple jumps would be seen.

 

“My generation of skaters knew that people like Plushenko were practicing several kinds. But I never thought I’d see five different quads performed in competition while I was still competing. For myself, I landed the Salchow and the Toe Loop in competition, and if I was feeling good in practice, I’d also try the Loop. I did land the Flip once or twice, but never with a consistency that could be used in competition.”

 

The Quad King's view of the Beijing Olympics: "It was a personal victory for Hanyu"

 

Goebel emphasizes that landing multiple quadruple jumps in competition requires not only physical ability but also mental strength.

 

”From my own experience, carrying the responsibility of including three quadruple jumps in a program is, more than a physical limit, about performing a completely different program mentally. Coaches can train skaters physically, but believing in yourself that you can execute such difficult elements without the rest of your performance falling apart is something else entirely.”

 

We asked him how he felt about Hanyu’s challenge of the quadruple Axel.

 

“To take responsibility for such a dangerous jump, seriously challenge it, and skate through the rest of the program with almost no mistakes is an amazing thing. I believe that was a personal victory for him, and I highly respect it. If it were me, I wouldn’t have done it even if I were paid a million dollars (laughs). I don't think I would have had the courage to even try it. Skaters of my generation once joked about what it would be like to do a quadruple Axel, and we all said, ‘Don’t be silly, that’s impossible.’ That’s how difficult the jump Yuzu challenged was.”

 

“What Yuzu accomplished will never be erased.”

Hanyu later admitted he had suffered an ankle sprain, but Goebel himself paid a physical price for successfully landing a total of 76 quadruple jumps in competition during his career.

 

“I retired from competition at 25. At that time, my body simply wouldn’t heal anymore. In fact, I think I had already reached my limit at the World Championships before my last season. Mentally, I still felt ready to fight, so I really understand the feelings of an athlete whose body no longer lets them perform what they want.”

 

“But Yuzu has stayed at the top of the world for eight years since 2014, and he’s still a medal contender at every competition. I don’t know how long he intends to continue, but it is unbelievable that he is still this strong. The two Olympic gold medals, world titles, and records he has earned will never be erased, so I hope he takes pride in them.”

 

What are his impressions of Chen, Kagiyama, and Uno, who performed well at the Olympics?

What kind of impression did he have regarding Yuma Kagiyama, who placed second this time, and Shoma Uno, who placed third?

 

“Both of them gave a very strong impression because they perform with a very clear perspective toward choreography. Both have very high technical skills and each has their own individuality, which is very good. Especially Yuma, who is still 18 years old, I’m very interested in how he will grow over the next four years until the next Olympics. I myself only participated in the Olympics once, but the experience I gained there was very significant. Shoma also seems to have grown a lot and matured since the last time.”

 

When told that Uno would also be continuing his competitive career, he continued happily:

 

“Right now, the men’s field is creating a situation similar to what women’s figure skating had about 20 years ago. That means athletes have long careers, and fans get to witness their growth and evolution over time. Just like Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan, Michelle Kwan, and Mao Asada did, it’s important for the sport that fans can emotionally connect with skaters and follow their careers for many years.”

 

Indeed, in present-day Japan, being blessed with athletes like Hanyu, who has maintained the top position for a long time while continuing to grow, has built the popularity and support for figure skating.

 

“Nathan Chen also had the experience from four years ago, and that allowed him to win the gold medal here in Beijing. I don’t know what he will do from now on, but I think it is possible for him to stay in top shape for another four years. He may return to Yale University, but if it were me, I think I would try continuing competition for about one more year.”

 

The Original “Quad King” Paved the Way for Today’s Skaters

Is Goebel Still Skating?

 

“I coached part-time when I was a student, but since becoming a working adult, I hardly skate at all. After such a long break, even if I get back on the ice, the connection I used to have with it just doesn’t come back. I’ve also started feeling afraid of falling.”

 

He last skated before the pandemic. It was a bit surprising to hear, like when I interviewed Patrick Chan recently, that even athletes of their caliber have smoothly transitioned to life without skating. Still, he hasn’t forgotten the important memories.

 

“Actually, this Valentine’s Day marked the 20th anniversary of the Salt Lake City Olympics. Time really flies, it’s surprising.”

 

The original ‘Quad King’ who made history at the Salt Lake City Olympics by landing three quadruple jumps in the free skate, setting a world-first record. The path he pioneered and the legacy he left behind has been passed down to this day.