[2022.09.29] Figure Skating Team Japan Fan Book 2022

[yuzurujenn]

[Yuzuru Hanyu Special Report & Exclusive Interview] Japan Figure Skating Team 2022 Fan Book (Special Supplement: 2022/2023 Season Spectator Calendar) (Bessatsu Yama to Keikoku)

 

Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/4635907708/

 

 

A thorough introduction to the top men's and women's singles skaters!
[Special supplement] 2022/2023 season spectator calendar.

The opening feature features Yuzuru Hanyu, who is embarking on a new stage as a professional athlete. In addition to special reports from his "Declaration of Determination Press Conference" to "SharePractice," the book also features an exclusive interview from "SharePractice." We also feature valuable interviews with those who have closely supported Hanyu, as well as exclusive messages from current skaters. This fan book also offers a thorough introduction to the top men's and women's singles skaters! It's packed with exclusive interviews, in-depth reports, and other fantastic features.

CONTENTS

[Exclusive interview & in-depth report]
Yuzuru Hanyu: "The beginning of a new legend"

[Talking about Yuzuru Hanyu]
Tracy Wilson:"A wonderful journey"

Johnny Weir:"Let's celebrate freedom"

Hara Taketoshi:"A rock artist on ice"

[Special feature] Thank you! Yuzuru Hanyu!

-Message from Japan's national skaters

[Special Contribution]
Utsunomiya Naoko
"The Second Act of a Champion"

[Popular Series]
"Words of Tsuzuki Shoichiro "
Utsunomiya Naoko

 

"Encouraging both academic and dance skating"

Suzuki Jun

 

[Special Report] Uno Shoma "The Lineage of World Champions"

 

[Exclusive Interviews]

Kagiyama Yuma "To Become Even Stronger"

Tomono Kazuki "Surpassing My Past Self"

Miura Kao "Full throttle even as a senior"

Tsuboi Tatsuya "The Stairway to the World"

Sato Shun "A Complete Recovery +α"

Yamamoto Sota "Now is the Time to Break Through

"Miyake Sena " A Promise in My Second Year as a Senior

"Shimada Koshiro "Lessons from a Legendary Skater"

Honda Lucas Tsuyoshi "A Quiet Fighting Spirit"

Sakamoto Kaori "Toward Uncharted Territory"

Higuchi Wakaba "Restarting from the Dream Stage"

Kawabe Mana "Four Years Later with a New Spirit"

Mihara Mai "Even Stronger and More Beautiful"

Matsuo Rino "In Search of Beautiful Skating"

 

[Photo Report] Senior Training Camp Junior Training Camp

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

Source: Figure Skating Team Japan Fan Book 2022, pg 52-55

 

 

Messages from Japan National Skaters
Thank you, Yuzuru Hanyu!

 

Kazuki Tomono:

Spoiler

When I heard the news that Hanyu-kun was turning professional, I was definitely surprised. But at the same time, I also felt, “You can continue to refine your figure skating even outside the competitive framework,” so I wasn’t really shaken by it. Just like he said, “I want to keep growing as an athlete," I I really think he can continue to pursue figure skating even without being a competitor. As a professional, I think he’ll be able to share the skating of “Yuzuru Hanyu” with the whole world, and I’m really excited for that.

 

The first time I met him was during The Ice in 2011, when I appeared as a "kid skater." At the time, I was still an unknown novice skater, but Hanyu was friendly and talked to me and took photos with me. He even watched my program and said, "I like your air guitar!" It's a memory I still cherish. After that, when I went to see the All Japan Championships, I sent him a fan letter, and he actually wrote back with a handwritten message saying, “Thanks for The Ice.” I was so touched. That experience made me want to become someone who could also be kind and have a positive impact on my juniors.

 

After I moved up to the senior level and was able to compete in the same events as Hanyu-kun, seeing him carry such an unimaginable weight on the world stage always gave me courage. I truly respected him as an athlete. He gave me advice on training and took the time to answer my questions, which taught me a lot. When we exchanged our university graduation theses, he said, ‘That research is interesting,’ which made me really happy. Looking back now, I wish I had asked him more questions.

 

As for my favorite of his programs, I love many from his younger days, but I think “Ballade No.1” is a true masterpiece of figure skating. I’ll never forget how struck I was seeing it live. I also remember being amazed when I saw his evolution in Parisienne Walkways. And if I had to name one more, it would be Romeo and Juliet from Worlds in Nice. That performance fired up all the Japanese male skaters when they saw it. It was part of my youth. Ballade No. 1, Parisienne Walkways, Romeo and Juliet may be classic picks, but I really love those three.

 

 

 

Yuma Kagiyama:

Spoiler

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought he’d still be competing this season, so hearing the news really surprised me. But turning professional is very much like Hanyu-senshu, and since he’s someone who always has a goal in mind, the impact of him moving on to the next stage just seemed really cool to me.

 

Of all my memories of Hanyu, the most memorable was at the press conference for the World Championship team held after the 2020 All Japan Championships. I was really nervous, thinking, “Is it really okay for me to go to such an important competition where Olympic spots are on the line...?” I didn’t know what to say. But then he told me, “Yuma, your strong will is what makes you great.” That encouragement from him helped changed my mindset, and I was able to state my goals clearly. That moment stands out the most to me.

 

It’s hard to pick just one favorite program, but I really love "Ballade No. 1." The way it builds toward the end with the step sequence, the quality of his quad salchow, the overall flow... it’s really captivating. What I look to in his performances is how he jumps so effortlessly, without any visible tension. It’s truly incredible, and I think it’s the ideal. I'm curious to see if he'll start his own ice show in the future. He also said he would continue attempting the quad Axel, so I'm really looking forward to that and I’d love to see him land it.

 

 

 

Kaori Sakamoto:

Spoiler

What makes me happiest is when he calls me “Sakamoto!” Most of the time, girls get called by their first names like “○○-chan,” so being called by my last name feels so refreshing (laughs). Also, I’m always expected to bring the Kansai-style humor (laughs). When Yuzu-kun makes a joke and I stay silent, he goes, ‘Huh? You’re not going to make a comeback?’ I mean, how could I possibly retort to the Hanyu Yuzuru? (laughs) So sometimes I'd ask, ‘I’m sorry! Could you say that one more time!?’

 

As a skater, what I’ve always admired is his incredible focus. Even during competitions, when the skater before him scores high and the arena erupts in cheers, he completely blocks out the noise and enters his own zone. You can feel the determination like, “Now it’s my turn!” He always follows through with his performance, and that’s what makes him so amazing.

 

My favorite program is Ballade No. 1. "The way his footwork matches the tempo change in the music during the step sequence is unbelievably fast and amazing! Including that part, I just really love this whole program.

 

At the recent Fantasy on Ice, he really dedicated himself to entertaining the audience in the opening, his solo, and the finale. And in the collaboration with the musical artist, he showed a kind of skating that only Yuzu-kun can do, which was very educational for me to watch. He also said he’d continue challenging the quad axel even after stepping away from competition, so I’m really looking forward to seeing that. I'm very happy that he will continue to show us such challenges. But above all, please be careful not to get injured!

 

 

 

Wakaba Higuchi:

Spoiler

After watching the press conference, what really struck me was how committed he is to pursuing his absolute best, even as a professional. It made me realize just how deeply he thinks about skating. Until now, the figure skating world has often felt like “once you retire, it’s over.” But Hanyu-kun is showing us that it doesn’t have to be that way. He’s opening up a new path and creating an environment where skaters can continue to grow.

 

Backstage at competitions or ice shows, I’ve had the chance to see him both in practice and performance. The unique energy and atmosphere he brings with him is just so cool. It’s hard to put into words, but I always thought, “That’s what sets him apart from other skaters.” Getting to share the stage or compete alongside him was always motivating.

 

One of my favorite programs is his free skate to Zigeunerweisen, when he was 15 or 16 and landed his first quad toe loop, wearing a red costume. I loved how he picked up even the tiniest details in the music while skating. Back then, there were still some rough edges and parts that didn’t quite match the sound, but seeing him frustrated by mistakes and showing his human side, I liked seeing that side of him. I also love his first Romeo and Juliet program.

 

I’m really excited to see how he will continue to elevate the world of figure skating. I’m also curious about how he’ll keep refining his best self. And his YouTube channel. I think there were parts he didn’t reveal when he was competing, so I'd be really happy if someone we look up to could share his strengths and techniques with us. Also… I’d love to see more of his daily life, like him going to Costco!

 

 

 

Tatsuya Tsuboi:

Spoiler

To be honest, Hanyu-senshu's skating is too good that it’s hard to even use it as a reference. But I’ve learned so much from watching his triple Axel and quad Salchow. His attitude of never slacking off, not even in a single practice, is truly amazing. I often wonder, “How can he push himself that far?” But that’s exactly what makes him so great. So even though I may never be as perfect as him, I want to emulate his attitude of always giving his all.

 

The news of his turning professional came at a time when I had just moved up to senior level and thought I might finally have the chance to compete in the same events as him more often, so I felt both sad and a little disappointed.

 

I was really happy when I got to be in the same competition as him for the first time at All Japan Championships last year. At Medalist on Ice, we shared the same changing room, which was already exciting, and on top of that, I was able to take a photo together with him. He even kindly said, "Keep up the great work!" It became a really wonderful memory for me.

 

Another unforgettable moment was when I appeared in the special exhibition at the 2016 NHK Trophy as a novice skater. I was tired and sleeping while sitting on a chair in the changing room, but he kindly brought a chair over and said, "It’s better to lie down with your feet up here. Otherwise, you’ll get more tired." That was the first time we ever spoke. Even now, I get emotional whenever I remember that moment, but at the time, I was unfortunately half-asleep and couldn’t tell if it was a dream or reality.

 

I love many of his programs, but my number one is “SEIMEI.” The program itself is incredible, but the two times he scored world records back-to-back at the NHK Trophy and Grand Prix Final left a deep impression on me. I was still a novice then, but SEIMEI is the program that’s stayed with me the most as one strongly influenced by Hanyu.

 

 

 

Kao Miura:

Spoiler

When I heard he was turning pro, I was really surprised as I thought he’d continue competing. He’s someone who’s been at the forefront of the sport for so long, ever since I was in kindergarten until I made it to Nationals myself. So above all, I just want to say, “Thank you so much for all your hard work.” At last year’s Nationals, getting to skate in the final group with someone I had admired since I was little was not just a highlight of my skating career, but a treasure of my life. It was truly a valuable experience.

 

The most memorable moment I have with Hanyu-senshu was during Stars on Ice last year. He looked at my meal and told me, “You should eat more vegetables. That won’t help your acne.” (laughs) After that, I started eating more veggies. Then, at this year’s Fantasy on Ice, he noticed my meal again and said, “You're thinking more about balance now.” When I told him, “That’s because you told me last year,” he responded, “That’s right, that's what I said.” I was so happy he remembered. It's a precious memory for me.

 

Of course, I admire him as an athlete, but I also felt his dedication as a professional show performer. From rehearsals to the finale, he was completely focused. His performances were incredible, but what surprised me even more was his character. After the show, he bowed in all directions and even greeted all of us skaters backstage. It was humbling. He does that for anyone, anywhere, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. I think he's a truly respectable person. I still have a long life ahead of me, and I hope to follow his example as a human being.

 

My favorite program has to be Parisienne Walkways. It’s the one that first made me admire him. Watching him perform at the Sochi Olympics, I thought, “I want to be a skater like that.” I also really love Hope & Legacy. It embodies all the things I’m currently working on, so it’s a program I study a lot. I think it’s a perfect match between Joe Hisaishi’s unique music and Hanyu’s style of skating.

 

I’ve always been inspired by Hanyu-senshu, so I’m really happy that we’ll still be able to see him skate. I want to keep following him as he continues to take on new challenges. More than anything, I’m grateful that he’s continuing his journey in skating. Watching his open practice video on YouTube reminded me of when he was warming up at Nationals, completely in the zone. His focus was on a whole different level. You could tell he was mentally rehearsing everything, too. I was so drawn in by that intensity and watched him closely. I think he's a truly amazing person.

 

 

 

Mana Kawabe:

Spoiler

At first, I felt a bit sad and wished I could see him compete just a little longer. But when I heard he would continue as a professional skater, I thought, “I can still watch him skate!” He’s always been someone I look up to, so it makes me really happy that I can continue watching his performances.

 

One memory that really stands out is when we were at the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences preparing for the Beijing Olympics and he said to me, “Let’s do our best.” Then, when I was performing in Fantasy on Ice, I felt someone tug on my ponytail just before I was about to skate, and when I turned around it was Hanyu-senshu (laughs). I was really surprised at how playful he was, but I was happy that he was so considerate and tried to help me relax.

 

My favorite programs of his are “Parisienne Walkways” and “Ballade No.1.” In Ballade No.1, there’s a part in the step sequence where he does a jump like a single axel. I love that part, and I'm amazed every time I see it. For me, Hanyu-senshu’s triple axel is the ideal. Before I could do it myself, I watched videos of him over and over, trying to learn and get closer to his technique.

 

In the competitive world, there are a lot of constraints due to rules, but with show programs, I believe Hanyu-senshu can create performances that fully showcase his charm. I’m already looking forward to seeing his performances as a professional skater.

 

 

 

Sota Yamamoto:

Spoiler

Hanyu-kun won back-to-back Olympic titles in Sochi and PyeongChang, and even after that, he continued to take on new challenges, pushing figure skating forward in huge ways. Thank you so much for continuing your competitive career all the way to the Beijing Olympics, and for leading both the skating world and Japanese men’s skating for so long. He’s been my hero ever since I was in elementary school. While I'm sad to see him retire from competitive skating, I'm also very happy to hear that he'll be forging a new path as a professional.

 

One of my most memorable memories with Hanyu is the first time I performed "Poeta" in an ice show. I was standing in front of the mirror, fussing with my hair, and he came over and said, “Your hairstyle doesn’t matter. As long as your skating looks cool.” I remember that so clearly even now. Those words shaped not just how I approach skating, but also how I think about life. The belief that “as long as your skating is cool, that’s all that matters” is something I always carry in my heart. Also, when we were together at NHK Trophy, he told me, “The first run-through in practice is the most important,” and I really value those words. The first run-through is difficult because the body isn’t fully warmed up yet, but I always remember Hanyu-kun’s words and approach it with that in mind.

 

When he launched his YouTube channel recently, I was so happy to see him sharing his athletic side in a new way. Watching the footage from 'SharePractice,' I learned so much from every moment. I was really moved by how seriously he trained to deliver a flawless performance, and how he truly strived for perfection. Sharing his training footage with the world is truly valuable, and I feel that by doing so, he's creating a path for current athletes to further raise their level.

 

As for his programs, I love Parisienne Walkways, both versions of Romeo and Juliet, Hope & Legacy, SEIMEI, and Ten to Chi to (Heaven and Earth)... Honestly, I love them all. Origin is also so cool. All of his programs are special to me.

 

 

 

Shun Sato:

Spoiler

Hanyu-senshu has been my role model and idol since I was little, so honestly, I wanted to keep watching him compete and follow his performances in competitions. But since it was his decision, I would like to support him in his future activities as a professional skater and also learn as much as I can from his performances in ice shows and other events.

 

Last year, I got to skate with him at Stars on Ice. Even during practice, he taught me so many things. We talked about the quad flip and quad Axel, and he told me, “Shun-kun, you can do it,” which made me really happy. It was the most valuable learning experience for me. At the time, I didn’t get the chance to ask him for tips on the quad Axel, so now I find myself thinking, 'I wish I’d asked him!' (laughs). If I ever get the chance, I’d definitely like to ask him.

 

My favorite program is Parisienne Walkways. I was still yound during the Sochi Olympic season, but that was the first program that truly moved me, so it left a lasting impression. I just hope he stays injury-free, and if possible, I’d love to see him land the quad axel someday.

 

 

 

Sena Miyake:

Spoiler

Last year at Nationals, I had the chance to skate in the same group as Hanyu-senshu for the first time. Seeing him up close, I was struck by how fully he immersed himself in his world the moment the music started. The way he could completely transform the atmosphere of the rink was incredible. It was the same during practice. Just seeing how he could draw people in and stay so focused even at the practice stage made me realize once again what a truly great athlete he is.

 

One of my most unforgettable memories with him was at last year’s Stars on Ice. Before my performance, I was warming up for a long time, and he saw that. He came over and said, “Right now, it might be tough since the results aren’t showing, but you’ll definitely get stronger.” I was so touched that he had been watching me warm up so carefully. Also, after the show ended, while I was cleaning up the dressing room, he said to me, ‘Doing things like this is how you become a good skater, so keep doing your best.’ I believe those words were a big reason why I was able to push myself hard last year.

 

My favorite program is Romeo and Juliet from the 2012 World Championships.Back then, I was still working on my double axel, and I watched his triple axel over and over to study it. His tight axis is something I admire. I believe Hanyu will continue to deepen his unique world view and create new forms of figure skating that we haven’t seen before. Even after stepping away from competition, I’m grateful that he will continue to teach us juniors in many ways. Thanks to him, men's figure skating as a whole has reached new heights, and I think we’ve all grown because of him. I want to keep watching his performances and following in his footsteps.

 

 

 

Mai Mihara:

Spoiler

Since we had just performed together at Fantasy on Ice, I felt really sad about him stepping away from competition. But I’m very happy that we’ll still be able to see his wonderful performances as a professional skater.

 

He’s a kind person who always speaks to me when we meet, and someone I deeply respect and look up to as a top athlete. Even during ice shows, he gives his all from practice onward, and you can really feel the passion he puts into his programs. Seeing him skate at 100% even in practice is so characteristic of Yuzu, and I’m really looking forward to his performances as a professional from now on.

 

My favorite program is Hope & Legacy. That was the free skate where he won at the World Championships, and the first time I competed at Worlds too. The way he shifted his mindset from a short program with mistakes to such a powerful free skate was incredible. From start to finish, you could feel his fighting spirit. I was watching from the audience and was completely blown away. It moved me deeply. I also love SEIMEI from the PyeongChang Olympics, and Ballade No. 1, and honestly, all of his programs are amazing. But if I had to choose just one, it would be Hope & Legacy, which I saw live and which left such a strong impact.

 

 

 

Koshiro Shimada:

Spoiler

When I heard the news that a press conference would be held, I felt a surge of loneliness, but after watching it, I couldn't help but feel excited about Hanyu's determination to continue evolving as a professional skater. I was so happy to hear him say, "I will continue to challenge myself."

 

One of my most memorable experiences with Hanyu-senshu was during the 2017 season when I was recovering from an injury and stayed with a host family in Toronto. Around my birthday, the son of my Japanese host family, who trained at the Cricket Club, gave me a tumbler as a gift. On it was a handwritten message from Hanyu-senshu: “Stay healthy” and “Everything will be okay.” Those words touched me deeply. It gave me a lot of courage to keep going, and I was deeply moved that he took the time to write that just for me. Also, every time we’d meet at competitions or ice shows, he’d call out, “Koshiro!” That made me so happy, like, “He called out to me again!” (laughs) He was always so friendly and approachable, so I have many fond memories of him.

 

(As for skating influence) Hanyu-senshu is just too special. I wanted to learn from him, but he was on such a different level that all I could do was watch. His spirit and fighting soul as a top athlete were clear in both his performances and personality, but when it came to absorbing or referencing his technical skills, it was difficult. He's simply too amazing, no one can replace or replicate what he does. Even at the All Japan Championships, just seeing him appear in the warm-up area would electrify the atmosphere, and it would fill me with an indescribable feeling of awe. Being able to compete on the same stage as Hanyu at the All Japan and NHK Trophy has become a treasure for me. I'm proud to have competed in the same era as him.

 

As for programs I liked, I’d say Romeo and Juliet from the 2012 Worlds in Nice. Even the fall during the step sequence looked like it was part of the choreography, which left a lasting impression. I also loved Hope & Legacy and its dramatic comeback at the 2017 Worlds. When I saw “SEIMEI” rehearsal during Dream on Ice, I thought, “This program is amazing!” Ah, but my favorite would be Ballade No. 1. Each and every note harmonized perfectly, and the way only Hanyu can interpret the music matched brilliantly. His eagles and Ina Bauers were incredibly beautiful, and the final step sequence was breathtaking.

 

 

 

Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda:

Spoiler

The first words that come to mind are, “Thank you for everything.” When I first started skating, Hanyu-senshu was performing his first Romeo and Juliet, and I’ve admired him ever since. These days, I have many skaters I look up to, but back then, he was my dream and star. The programs that left the biggest impression on me were "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Phantom of the Opera."

 

When I heard the news of his transition to pro, I really felt like an era had come to an end, and I feel a great sense of sadness. In the past two or three seasons at the Japan Nationals, I felt like, “I finally got to compete in the same event as him.” Although that's an understatement, I was so happy to have had the opportunity to watch him perform up close. When I actually saw him skate, I thought, “He’s really incredible,” and “He’s a skater who has perfected his technique,” and the word “pinnacle” came to mind.

 

I admired his skating since I was a kid and often tried to imitate him. The quality of his jumps is so high, so I've been rewatching his jumps over and over again to master the quadruple toe loop and quadruple salchow, learning from them and realizing, "This is how he uses his body." In May, when I had a lesson with Coach Ghislain (Briand), he showed us footage of Hanyu-senshu’s Axel and said, “This is the ideal.” Of course, everyone has their own jumping style, but he gave us advice while helping us pick out the elements we could incorporate into our own technique. It was a truly valuable experience.

 

 

 

Rino Matsuike:

Spoiler

Hanyu-senshu won back-to-back Olympic golds, challenged the quad Axel, and accomplished so much. So when I heard he was turning professional, I felt a little sad. But hearing him say he would “continue to evolve” and “keep challenging the quad Axel” made me realize he’ll continue pushing himself with the same dedication even as a pro. That makes me really excited for what’s to come.

 

One memory that stands out was the first time I performed in the same ice show with him. Right before my performance, he said, “Do your best,” and I was honestly so surprised that someone like him would be so thoughtful toward a newcomer like me. After that, every time we were in the same ice show, he would always speak to me, and I always felt how kind he is. At a recent Fantasy on Ice, there was a large hole in the ice during the opening. Even while it was being repaired, Hanyu-senshu kept moving around on the rink, entertaining the audience. Seeing that made me realize all over again what an incredible person he is. Even after the ice show was over, he must have been tired, but he still posed for photos with everyone and said "good job!" to everyone. I was impressed by how considerate he is to everyone.

 

My favorite program is Parisienne Walkways. I love how masculine and stylish the choreography is, and I think it's really amazing how he manages to captivate the audience while performing difficult jumps. SEIMEI also had a difficult musical composition, but he made it his own and expressed the distinctive choreography in a cool way, which was wonderful.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

Source: Figure Skating Team Japan Fan Book 2022, pg 32-37

 

"A wonderful journey"

<Talking about Yuzuru Hanyu>

Special Guest: Figure Skating Coach Tracy Wilson

 

At the prestigious Toronto Cricket Club in Canada, Tracy Wilson coached Yuzuru Hanyu and guided him to become an undisputed champion. As her beloved student embarks on a new chapter, having risen from being a “diamond in the rough” to a “presence that transcends sports,” we asked her to reflect on the long journey they walked together.

 

(Interview and text by Yukiko Ogawa, Tatsuya Murao)

 

Spoiler

— The other day, Hanyu announced that he would turn professional. Tracy also had a message sent via video, right?

 

Tracy: Yes, I heard directly from him about his decision to become a professional. Among the things he told me, what I found truly wonderful was that the most important thing for him is “to continue approaching skating in the way a professional would.” He has always set the highest standards for himself, and now he plans to take that to another level in the professional world.

 

Yuzu is always very sincere, thoughtful, and straightforward, so it was clear to me that this decision came from deep reflection. Personally, as a skater myself, I can deeply relate to this. I strongly feel that the only real sense of fulfillment a skater can experience comes from challenging oneself toward new heights, new levels. When a skater steps away from competitive life, they’re often freed from the rigid structure and can approach the sport in a more relaxed manner. I think that’s a wonderful thing. But in Yuzu’s case, he’s aiming even higher.  Because reaching that level gives him the sense of “I’ve drawn out the very best of myself.” So I couldn't be happier to hear of Yuzu's decision. It shows that this is the path forward for him, and that it’s something he truly wants.

 

— Looking back on his long competitive career, he has achieved many great things, such as winning consecutive Olympic gold medals and completing the Super Slam. How do you view these accomplishments?

 

Tracy: When I look back at Yuzu in his younger days, it was clear that he absolutely had the potential to achieve all that. It was obvious even then. But I’ve seen many people with potential who couldn’t turn it into reality. So what made him different? It's his unwavering focus on making the most of his talents, his deep connection to the sport and his fans, and above all, his love for skating itself.

 

I also feel that the sad and painful experiences he went through in his youth, along with many other things, have shaped him into the person he is today. He lives for his sport, is motivated by the audience, and feels a strong sense of responsibility to be a great presence for them, something he takes very seriously. He's also able to balance all of that, even though it could easily turn into pressure. But he takes that pressure and turns it into something positive to improve himself.

 

— Do you remember the first time you met him?

 

Tracy: I remember it well. Before that, I had seen him perform as a commentator, and I was deeply impressed by his approach to technique, movement, energy, and the way he was completely immersed in the performance, both emotionally and physically. A while later, he transferred to our (Cricket) club and we began working together. For a young skater, he was incredibly open-minded. At our club, we always start by working on the fundamentals, which can be quite technical. It’s a bit of a boring practice, so I often joke with skaters, “It’s like going to the dentist.” It’s necessary for you, but not something you’d willingly choose to do. But Yuzu trusted us and embraced our methods. In the end, I had the amazing experience of learning just as much from him as I taught him.

 

Coaching him was also a huge challenge for us too, because it revealed things we needed to learn about ourselves and our weaknesses. But once we understood those, we could truly grow and move to the next level. You can imagine how hard it is to coach someone like Yuzu, who is both a talented athlete and an artist. I often lay in bed at night thinking about how to structure a lesson, how to turn an idea into exercises. It was tough, but also really fun. Looking back, I truly feel we learned as much as we taught.

 

— So he was truly special. Not only for his skating talent but also as a person.

 

Tracy: Yes, he is special. Sometimes, life brings you people like that, and I knew right away that he was something special. Having an athlete like Yuzu in your care is something very rare and special. I’m truly grateful. For example, when we were practicing footwork, sometimes an idea would pop into my head: “He might be able to do this.” Usually, you can imagine things freely, but turning that mental image into reality is a different matter. But he could do it! He had that ability. He's someone who took us to another world, both creatively and technically. He always knew exactly what he wanted to do, where he was going, and what level he wanted to take his skating to. He always focused on the big picture of what he was doing, rather than how it would be perceived by the outside world.

 

— As someone mainly responsible for his skating skills, what was your impression of his skating when he joined the Cricket Club?

 

Tracy: At just 17, he already had a natural gift. And more than anything, he had a genuine love for what he was doing. He was still a bit rough around the edges. A diamond in the rough, you might say. But that’s what made it fun and interesting. A great learning experience. He had ability. He had drive. He was dedicated. He was curious. He loved putting in the effort. He had this rare feeling that the harder he worked, the more fun it became. He completely immersed himself in practice. His potential was limitless. That said, having potential and realizing it are two very different things.

 

— So how did your coaching plan change to bring out that limitless potential?

 

Tracy: I kind of followed his path. Always keeping in mind what he wanted from me, what he needed at that moment, and what would make a difference for his present and future. The hard work and repetitive tasks in the early days were tough, but eventually he came to realize how useful they were, how much he could gain from them, and that became rewarding for him. That was probably the hardest part. Once he realized that, it was all good. He had a strong foundation, he was a quick learner, and he never forgot what he'd learned.

 

From there, the focus shifted to observing his competitive performances. What does he need two minutes into the program? Three minutes in? What does his skating require? What helps him settle in before skating? My job was to watch him, understand what he needed, and adapt to that.

 

— When you watched his performances, what kind of feelings did you have?

Tracy: I was excited! There's really no point in obsessing about the results or worrying too much. Just feel the energy and believe. I just trust him. Even if the result wasn’t his best, that meant it was something he needed at that moment. Even if a jump didn’t go well, it was just a stepping stone to something even greater in the future. So I just trusted whatever he did. It was a kind of nervous excitement. Absolute trust and curiosity about what he would show us, and what kind of performance it would become.

 

— As his skating coach, what’s your favorite part of his skating?

Tracy: Everything. With Yuzu, everything is one seamless whole. He is an athlete. And he personifies what figure skating is supposed to be. That means a perfect balance of athleticism and artistry. I think that's what makes this sport so unique, and Yuzu possesses that perfect balance. So, I love every aspect of him, and it's hard to pinpoint just one. His jumps? No, no. His artistry? Or his musicality? All of it. He has no weaknesses. I’ve watched so many skaters over the years as a commentator. Some are more like athletes, some are more like artists. But skaters like Yuzu are very rare. He has it all. In the world of figure skating, that’s incredibly uncommon. If you're too focused on one aspect, the magical allure disappears. But he balances everything so exquisitely, and that’s what makes him a truly special skater.

 

— While he seems capable of doing everything, were there also challenges for him?

Tracy: He addresses every issue head-on. He never ignores a problem and tries every possible approach: “How about this? What’s happening here?” For an artist to be truly free, they need a solid foundation. If the base is even slightly shaky, they’ll lose their balance. That's not freedom. That’s exactly what Yuzu worked on. When he’s in good health and fully immersed in training, there are moments when he completely loses himself. Not thinking about technique, not checking movements or feelings, he just becomes one with the program. He surrenders himself to the music, to the connection with the audience. To me, that’s the "ultimate goal." And he's able to reach it thanks to his training.

 

— Is that what athletes often call being “in the zone”?

 

Tracy: Yes, it’s something like that.

 

— Were tangible results like medals and titles part of his motivation?

Tracy: Yes, achievements like that definitely motivated him. They gave him great satisfaction, and surpassing each one became a way for him to measure his own abilities.

 

— I think he’s the kind of athlete who sets high goals and finds joy in reaching them. Would you say the quadruple Axel is a symbol of that mindset?

Tracy: I think so. When I think back to Yuzu and his various personal challenges, he always had a very clear intention. I remember talking to him after he won his second Olympic gold medal. At that time, I strongly encouraged him to further expand the limits of his artistry. He really has remarkable artistic ability. At the same time, in today’s figure skating world, technical elements and jump rotations heavily influence scores. So I understood that he had to keep pushing in that area too. In that sense, his attempt at the quadruple Axel was a pure challenge for him. When Yuzu sets a goal, it’s not here (gestures at table level), or here (around the face), it’s up here (gestures above the head).

 

Before anyone else had even considered it, he had already begun challenging the quad Axel. I remember seeing him trying it in practice and being amazed, like, “What?! What are you doing?!” And as you all know, when he commits to something, it’s never half-hearted. He throws himself into it completely. I was a bit worried about the toll on his body, of course. But at the same time, I felt like I was witnessing something special. Back then, no one even spoke about a quad Axel. It was incredible. Eventually, it became like, “Oh, he’s doing it again.” (laughs)

 

— Even someone as determined as he is must have his ups and downs. What about those times?

Tracy: Yes, that's natural, isn't it? That's life. And it's those ups and downs that allow us to reach greater heights. In Yuzu's case, I strongly believe that the process of coming back from a setback is what shaped him. It's all about how he bounces back. He never gives up. He never loses hope. And he never abandons the vision of what he wants to achieve. I think it's those moments of struggle that make him such a great athlete. Ever since I met him, and even before that, everything he went through, all the rock bottoms he experienced, they shaped him and brought him to where he is now. So, it's fair to say that without those experiences, he wouldn’t be who he is today.

 

— I think Hanyu must have been fortunate to have found coaches who shared his belief in what he wanted to achieve, and his success can be said to be the result of teamwork. 

Tracy: I think Yuzu knew exactly what he needed, and that led him to us. From our perspective, it felt like, “How lucky are we!” That’s life, isn’t it?
Life gives you these opportunities and challenges. Brian (Orser) and I are simply grateful. I hope that everyone involved has felt it was worthwhile, and when that happens, I feel the greatest joy.

 

— I imagine having Javier Fernandez at the Cricket Club was a big inspiration too.

Tracy: Javi and Yuzu (smiles). It was a lot of fun. Of course, the two of them training together was also quite a challenge. Sometimes they’d clash, other times they deeply cared for each other. It was a wonderful experience for them. And we had to adapt, too, to make sure this was a win-win for everyone. We had to think about what was best for the sport and the club. We are part of a greater whole, and by respecting and honoring that, we ourselves can be elevated. Javi and Yuzu both pushed each other to grow because they had each other. It was amazing to see how they supported each other.

 

— They pushed and inspired each other to excel.

 

Tracy: It's all down to their excellence. When Yuzu was taking a short break and Javi started doing quadruple jumps, Yuzu would start jumping like crazy. Or, if Javi came onto the ice holding a coffee and was leisurely preparing, and Yuzu was already landing a beautiful triple Axel, Javi would immediately put the coffee down and jump right into training. It was such a great dynamic.

 

Javi is very calm, friendly, and easy-going. On the other hand, Yuzu is a fiery, passionate guy, always pushing himself with a 'Go! Go!' kind of energy. So, I think they each needed a bit of what the other had. Sometimes Yuzu needed moments to loosen up, and sometimes Javi needed a bit of a kick in the butt, you know? (laughs)"

 

— That's a wonderful relationship. What was it like having Hanyu at the Cricket Club?

 

Tracy: Having Yuzu there was absolutely wonderful. You can’t have someone like him around and not benefit from it or feel motivated. The same goes for Javi, of course. But we didn’t dwell on that too much. We just focused on enjoying our time together and creating good energy. The rink isn’t just a place for practice. The club is a community. We have young skaters and adult skaters. It’s a place to share the joy of this sport. This rink is truly special. And it’s about using that energy positively: with gratitude, skating with passion and joy, and making efforts to uplift each other. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work here, but it’s important to remember how lucky we are to be able to do that. Having someone like Yuzu there really helped create that energy. He keeps everyone motivated.

 

— Without the Cricket Club, his career might have been different.

 

Tracy: When Brian and I started this club, it felt like home to us. We wanted to create a community for all skaters. A place where elite skaters could have a family that provides a sense of belonging and enrichment, and where they could grow both as individuals and as athletes. Our goal was for skaters to become stronger through this sport, not become discouraged by it. If that is our vision and our mission, then being able to see Yuzu’s growth fills us with great happiness.

 

— What do you hope for him as he embarks on this new path as a professional skater?

 

Tracy: I feel that he has much more to offer. And I want him to continue to lead the figure skating world, as he has done so far. I hope he can do that from his heart, from that pure part of himself that matters most to him.

 

— He said that this is the opposite of retirement. Rather, it’s a further challenge.

 

Tracy: I expect the same. Anything less and he wouldn’t be satisfied. He won't find fulfillment from just relaxing or taking it easy. That’s not who he is. Artistically, technically, and emotionally, he has such incredible depth. With that, he can do so much. And when he gets a clear image of what he wants to create, he has the vision and the ability to bring it to life. So, I'm really excited about his future career.

 

— In competition, you have to keep the scoring system in mind, which means there were probably times when he had to compromise on the overall expression or completeness of a program.

 

Tracy: That's absolutely true. Rules are rules, and they're absolute. And the scoring system exists. I’m not here to dispute that. But it’s impossible to keep a skater like Yuzu locked in a box forever. Now he’s free, and I’m excited to see just how far his love for this sport and his incredible talent will take him.

 

— Maybe we’ll see even more of his true essence now?

 

Tracy: I hope so too. For Yuzu, and for the sport itself.

 

— Until now, turning pro has been seen as the end of one's career, but Hanyu might set a new trend.

 

Tracy: That's exactly what I hope for. That he becomes a pioneer in professional skating and leads the way forward. If anyone can do that, it’s Yuzu. He can open new doors. Perhaps the skating world will watch and learn from what Yuzu does, and may even redefine some of the rules for the sake of the sport’s development. That’s completely unknown territory, but I’m excited to see what’s possible. For now, let’s wait and see what Yuzu does next. What I feel strongly is that this sport needs to keep evolving, so I’m excited to see how things unfold from here.

 

— What kind of impact does he have on this world?

 

Tracy: He is surely an existence that transcends sports. My husband is a former rugby player, but he is moved when he sees Yuzu skate. You don’t have to be a figure skating fan to like him. Whether a musician, a soccer player, or a doctor, he has a charm that attracts people from all walks of life. Watching Yuzu is like feeling his power and witnessing a genius.

 

— Is there any performance of his that you particularly liked?

 

Tracy: I loved them all. Every single one. Each had its own unique story and meaning, so I can’t pick just one. There are simply too many.

 

— What did you think of the Beijing Olympics?

 

Tracy: Whether I was commentating or just watching, it was the same. We’ve always been connected, and in fact, we saw each other backstage. So I think he could feel that I was supporting him. During competitions, I’m always at the venue as a commentator, so it all felt like a natural continuation of things. And of course, I was thinking of him. Especially after the short program, I had a lot of thoughts and feelings. That must have been a really tough experience for him.  He said afterward that he'd fallen into a rut. But I know that Yuzu is greater than just one performance or one skate. And things like accidents are just fleeting moments. I knew he would overcome it. And it was a dramatic ending, wasn’t it? As always! (laughs)

 

— I'm sure you'll continue to stay in touch with him in the future. How do you feel when you look back on the past 10 years together?

 

Tracy: It feels like family. There were siblings, children, and we watched their growth. And with Yuzu as well, we watched his growth, and he has grown to stand on his own independently as both an artist and an athlete, and now he is leaping into the professional world. Looking back, it's been an incredible journey for us, and we were able to build a wonderful relationship. I believe that this relationship will continue to grow even more from here on. While he was here, he grew from a young man into an adult. To have been able to spend such a valuable period in one person’s life together, I truly feel it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel very honored.

 

— Thank you very much. Finally, please give a message to Hanyu-san.

 

Tracy: Hi, Yuzu! I wish you all the best in your training, and I encourage you to keep being driven by your inner talent and love for this sport. Please continue to lead this sport. It’s so great to have you in it, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll create in your next adventure. See you!

— And a message for the fans, too?

Tracy: To all his fans, please continue to support him and keep chasing dreams together with him. Yuzu is truly extraordinary, and this sport needs someone like him to continue to lead us. He is absolutely what makes our sport so unique, the perfect combination of artistry and athleticism. Now moving on to a new stage, it’s going to allow him to redefine himself and redefine the sport. It’s going to be very exciting. I hope I’m in the stands with you soon down the road, watching his next adventure. Take care!

 

 

 

 

Profile
Born in 1961 in Quebec, Canada. Competed as an ice dancer during his competitive career, placing 8th at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics and winning a bronze medal at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Also earned bronze medals at the World Championships for three consecutive years from 1986. Currently coaches top skaters from around the world at the Toronto Cricket Club in Canada. She has been coaching together with Brian Orser since 2006, and has served as Yuzuru Hanyu’s main coach alongside him.

[yuzurujenn]

* Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

Source: Figure Skating Team Japan Fan Book 2022, pg 38-43

 

"Now, let's embrace freedom"

<Talking about Yuzuru Hanyu>

Special Guest: Professional Skater Johnny Weir

 

Johnny Weir continues to pursue beautiful, artistic skating and still has passionate fans all over the world. He was one of the skaters a young Yuzuru Hanyu admired. Here, Johnny shares heartfelt words of encouragement.

 

Spoiler

—Hanyu has announced his transition to becoming a professional skater. What was your honest reaction to the news?

 

Johnny: He’s someone who inspires me tremendously. Not just as a skater, but as a person who relentlessly strives to be his best, his way of life has always encouraged me. So of course, I did feel a bit sad. After winning two Olympic gold medals, it would have been natural for him to retire, but he continued to challenge himself. As an individual, a TV commentator, and a figure skater myself, I found his journey of constant challenge to be incredibly exciting. You could feel how much joy and passion he found in challenging himself. I, too, went through a transition to professional skating. And it was an exciting and liberating moment because it allowed me to explore everything I wanted to express on the ice as an artist. Of course, I’ll miss seeing him compete and commenting on his performances, but as a fellow human being, I’m thrilled that he’s taking a new step in his life. The life of an Olympic athlete is extremely hard, and the pressure on someone like Yuzuru Hanyu is immense. I believe he may now be able to free himself a little from that kind of pressure.

 

—What do you think about the impact Hanyu has had, both within the skating world and beyond?

 

Johnny: I have huge respect for anyone who wins Olympic gold or reaches the pinnacle of any sport. It takes your entire heart, soul, body, and mind to achieve something that extraordinary. As someone who competed in the same sport and experienced the Olympics, I know how hard it is. But there are so many people around the world who have been inspired by Yuzu. I’m one of them. He never gives up on what he decides to do. He’s an incredibly strong person. Even as a professional skater, I believe he’ll keep pushing his limits and become an even stronger skater. That’s just the mentality he has. Above all, staying at the top after reaching it is extremely rare in the sports world. Especially in figure skating, where young talent is constantly emerging. As you get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep competing against such young talents. But Yuzu, through his incredible hard work and strength of will, was able to achieve that in this sport, one in which it's normally difficult to stay at the top for long. He inspired people all over the world about the value of perseverance and unwavering determination. I myself was one of those who felt inspired every time he stood on the ice.

 

The first time I saw him, he was still just starting out. After my last Olympics, I had the chance to meet him in person, and seeing how he worked hard without sparing any effort, I had a strong feeling, 'This kid is definitely going to become someone great.' I remember him skating, drenched in sweat. From that image, I was sure of his future growth. At the same time, I sensed a strong determination from him: "I don't care what the world thinks of me." He's just focused on becoming the best version of himself. That struck me as a very powerful message to the world that often demands you to follow the rules, imitate the pioneers, and do everything in a certain way. Yuzu does everything in the way he believes is right. I think people are drawn to that part of him. I think that is one of the most respectable things about him.

 

—From winning back-to-back Olympic titles to attempting the quadruple Axel, his achievements are extraordinary.

 

Johnny: Every country has its sports heroes. In America, we have people like Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, people who stood at the top of their fields and did what no one else could. And Yuzu, without a doubt, belongs in that same category. You could say he is a legendary figure. The greatest in history, at a level that only a very few people can ever reach. I feel fortunate to have lived in this era, to have seen someone achieve such greatness in the very sport I was part of, and above all, to have witnessed the incredible effort he put in to get there.

 

—Speaking of his influence, Hanyu has often mentioned you and Evgeni Plushenko as inspirations.

 

Johnny: Every time I hear that, or when his fans tell me, “Yuzu admires you,” I can’t help but blush. I get embarrassed, so I tend to brush it off. You see, back when I was competing, I didn’t really think much about “inspiring the younger generation.” I was more focused on what I could express to the world through my artistry, perseverance, and willpower. I was so absorbed in my own performances that I often didn’t think about the people watching me. It took me a long time to realize that skating at a high level does inspire young people.

 

Now, when I see many young skaters incorporating my techniques or style, I feel really proud. After all, I was never a world champion or an Olympic gold medalist. So hearing that someone as amazing as Yuzu was inspired by watching my skating on TV with his family is just an incredibly happy and proud moment for me. During my competitive years, I was a little crazy and unconventional. But if that opened a door for young people with different ideas and skating styles, and if I played even a small role in Yuzu’s life, then I couldn’t be more honored.

 

—After winning gold in PyeongChang, Hanyu skated to 'Otonal' the next season as a tribute to you.

 

Johnny: But he skated it so much better than I ever did! (laughs) Oh, and my father saw Yuzu’s performance and said, “He skates like Johnny. His skating really resembles yours!” My dad wasn’t a big skating fan. He would just watch it on TV with my mother if it happened to be on, and he wasn’t the type to follow results or anything. Though he did support what I was doing. And yet, he said, ‘His skating is so soft, smooth, and elegant!’

 

—That’s a wonderful story.

 

Johnny: Yes, he said, “I like Yuzu. He’s like you.” Of course, his costumes were sparkly, just like mine! (laughs)

 

—Speaking of costumes, you also designed some of Hanyu’s costumes, right?

 

Johnny: Yes. The first time I worked on one of his costumes (“Zigeunerweisen”), I suggested, “How about pink?” Pink really suits him.

 

—How did that come about?

Johnny: I was asked if I'd like to help design his costume for his senior debut season (2010-2011). At that time, I thought, “Pink would be nice.”
I designed it with a gradient from light pink to dark red. The light pink represented Yuzu as a young boy, and as the color deepened, it expressed his growth into a senior-level male skater. For his free skate at the Sochi Olympics (2014), “Romeo and Juliet,” I also incorporated pink into the design. He told me, “Pink is my lucky color,” so I added pink and green rhinestones. It was a wish for his good luck! Pink and green, like watermelon! (laughs) But those were Yuzu’s lucky colors at the time. While many skaters wore simple costumes like pants and a shirt, he always insisted on adding show-like elements to his outfits. It was a showy, vintage-style costume adorned with mesh fabric, rhinestones, and sparkling sequins, which were popular in my time. He truly is a showman. Of course, the success of a program also depends on how well the jumps are executed, but he also pays particular attention to the music he chooses and the costumes he wears. I think what makes him so special is that he believes everything can be a source of inspiration, not just the jumps or scores.

 

—By wearing a costume designed by the skater he admired, perhaps he felt some of your energy while performing.

 

Johnny: If that’s true, that’s wonderful. In any case, I think that at the Sochi Olympics, he felt deeply that he was skating with the support of many people. Not just from me, but from all around the world. I was also working as a commentator, and in that role, you have to avoid favoritism. Our mission is to fairly convey to the viewers what is happening on the ice, so we must set aside personal feelings. But still, at that particular competition, and with Yuzu especially, there was always a part of me that was thinking about him. Whenever I watched him skate, I felt a nervousness that I didn’t feel for any other skater. So yes, I suppose my soul was connected to him out there on the ice.

 

—Linking your artistic performance to your soul seems to be something you both have in common.

 

Johnny: Sometimes it’s precisely because people share something in common that they become friends. And the two of us share things we believe in, and what we find beautiful. Yuzu is simply an incredible person. And I love his skating because he pours his soul into it. Of course, he focuses on scoring and landing all his jumps, as any top athlete would. But even more important to him is the performance, expressing the music and passion. That's what I love most about his skating. And he delivers that passion all the way to the very last row of the venue. That always moves me deeply. In my case, it was more about drawing the audience toward me, but I think our underlying approach to performance is similar.
There are differences, of course, because he’s such a special presence.

 

—When you’re together or talking, do you feel that sense of connection?

 

Johnny: Yes, definitely. I met Yuzu when he was still a little kid, but even then, there was definitely something that connected us. And that bond of friendship grew throughout his career and during the time I spent in Japan.

 

—As you mentioned earlier, even when you first met, Hanyu already had something special.

 

Johnny: He definitely did. You know how you meet someone whose eyes just sparkle? That was him. And when I saw him skate, I felt this sense of fierce determination radiating from him. Nothing could stop him. Even when he fell hundreds of times in practice, he would get right back up and keep going. That mentality is what propelled him to become an Olympic champion. From the very first time I saw him, I knew he was going to accomplish something extraordinary in this sport.

 

—You could tell there was something different about him.

 

Johnny: You can’t reach that level without something special. Of course, hard work is essential, but beyond that, you must have something truly unique inside. Every exceptional skater or ice dancer I’ve met has had their own special quality. For example, Stéphane Lambiel was passionate, dramatic, full of energy, great with technique and jumps, and also very handsome. Evan Lysacek was calm and always sticking to his own way. And I myself was often called an oddball during my competitive years. And I feel that what makes Yuzu so special is his ability to captivate everyone. Not just specific audiences or fans, but he even inspires people like my father, who isn’t a figure skating fan and just happens to be sitting on the couch watching TV. I know better than anyone that any skater who can move my father is truly special! (laughs)

 

—Would you say that kind of special quality is an innate gift?

 

Johnny: Yes, he has always been special. In the early days, he wasn’t as polished as he is now, but there was always this pure, emotional quality to his skating. I think that’s his greatest gift as a performer. I don’t really talk much about jumps, because what people remember are not the jumps, but the moments in the performance. My favorite performance of Yuzu’s is when he won the World Championships in Helsinki in 2017. I’ve never seen such a perfect performance in my life as a skater. Every single note of the music, his expressions, his jumps, every moment of it was perfect. To me, that was the pinnacle of skating. An absolute masterpiece of performance. And after that, he was still able to maintain his own style and artistry without compromising them. I think a big part of that is being around people like Jeffrey Buttle, David Wilson, and of course Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson, who encouraged that side of him and wanted him to stay true to himself. In that sense, I believe his coaching team was also very brave. Usually, coaches want to mold their skaters into what they envision and apply their own methods. Sometimes that can be too much; other times, not enough. Finding a coach who’s truly on the same level is very difficult. That’s why I’m so glad his team always supported his artistic goals and dreams. Because of that, he was able to express his full artistry on the ice.

 

—So it was also the result of great teamwork.

 

Johnny: There’s a saying in America that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It means that it takes many people to help a child grow into a complete adult. To do that, it takes a whole team, a whole village, and everyone around you. In Yuzu’s case, everyone from his management team to his mother, coaches, trainers, and doctors played a role in his success. Of course, when the moment comes, the skater stands alone on the ice. But he found the perfect team to take him where he wanted to go, people who believed in what he believed in.

 

—You were blessed with a wonderful encounter. You mentioned that Hanyu is very stoic and spares no effort when it comes to skating. But what is he like off the ice?

 

Johnny: If I had to say just one thing about him off the ice, it's that when I see him backstage at ice shows, he really laughs a lot. He's always laughing whenever someone tells a joke or shows a funny video. He always laughs when he sees me and Stéphane singing while putting on makeup. Backstage at shows, Stéphane and I play the roles of “dad and mom,” always singing, joking, and laughing. At times like that, Yuzu always pops in and laughs with us. He laughs a lot in general and seems to really enjoy having fun like that.

 

—As Hanyu transitions from the competitive stage to the professional world, is there anything you think he will need?

 

Johnny: Even now, I sometimes recall the scene where I would be late to morning practice and get scolded by my coach, Galina (Zmievskaya). When you've lived with a certain routine for a long time, it's very hard to break away from it, and even harder to get used to not doing it. As a competitor, every day is a battle, and you're constantly focused on the fight. Competition itself is very stressful. It's a truly unique experience. The adrenaline rush is huge, and in just four minutes, it can turn into the best or worst day of your life. That kind of pressure drives your motivation, so it’s not easy to let it go. So, quitting the life of an Olympic athlete is not easy. You've been trained to act and live in a certain way.

But when I see how Yuzu devotes himself to practicing for shows, I feel he'll be just fine. I'm sure he'll continue to feel the passion and energy every day. I hope he finds the freedom to explore his true self as a professional skater. He's spent a long time living without the option of “failure.” Now, I hope he'll be open to try new things, hang out with friends, and discover who he really is. For me, it wasn't until I retired from competition that I had the chance to have lunch with friends over wine. I was in my mid-20s at the time, and most people do this at 21 or 22. That’s probably the hardest part of transitioning from a competitive athlete to a professional. You go from someone who must do everything a specific way, to being your true self. You become freer. And I’m really looking forward to seeing what Yuzu does on the ice with that freedom.
Not just on the ice, but off it too.

 

—So, we’ll get to see a new side of him?

 

Johnny: That's right. He’ll be free from the stress of performing in front of judges, from the pressure of competing against rivals, and from the weight of being a two-time Olympic champion who had to keep winning for years. In competitive life, whether you like it or not, you constantly compare yourself to others. You constantly have to think about how to surpass someone else. But in the professional world, you don’t have to compare yourself to anyone. You just have to be yourself. In that sense, I’m sure we’ll see a new and special side of Yuzu. Of course, his passion and artistry will still shine through. That’s who he is, and that’s what his skating is all about. He’s always delivered artistic programs that move people deeply, and I'm sure that will continue into his professional career. Now that he no longer has to worry about scores, he can take even bigger creative risks. I think that from now on, he’ll be able to dive deeper into his heart and express what he truly feels from within. I think that this will give him greater artistic freedom. He’ll be able to do things he’s always wanted to do but hesitated to try in competition. I’m really looking forward to what he creates.

 

—As a senior professional skater, do you have any words or advice for Hanyu?

 

Johnny: My advice to Yuzu, as a brand-new pro skater, is this: “Don’t forget who you are.” Don’t forget who you are and how special you are.
And enjoy the freedom to do whatever you want on the ice. No one's going to judge you anymore. The rink is there for you. We're all sitting there waiting for you. So just be yourself, keep going, and put on a show. That’s what professional skating is all about, putting on a show, just like you’ve always done. And honestly, I’m really excited. Wouldn’t it be great if fireworks went off when Yuzu appeared, as a symbol of freedom? I’ve been saying the word ‘freedom’ over and over, but that’s because the most important thing in becoming a professional is enjoying the beauty of freedom. You gain the freedom to truly be yourself. I’m really looking forward to seeing that. As for me, I'll retire from performing as a professional next year. And I’m really excited about that. It still needs to be confirmed, but I'd love to perform with him on my final tour.

 

—It sounds like it’ll be a wonderful finale. This year’s Fantasy on Ice was also very moving, especially since it was held again after a long break.

 

Johnny: This year was special because it was the first time we were all back together since the pandemic. I had forgotten how nerve-wracking it is! I was literally shaking before the performance. When the tour started in Makuhari, I was 37, not in peak condition, so I was very nervous. And it had been a while since I’d felt what it’s like to stand alone in the center of the rink, under thousands of eyes. But the moment I stepped into the middle of that giant ice cube and started performing, people applauded for me and for what I had accomplished. It was the most amazing thing. After the final performance in Shizuoka, everyone was crying. When the finale ended and we were leaving the rink, we said our goodbyes… Yuzu had just landed this insane jump combination, and I started crying even before I left the ice. I’ve been through a lot of tough times in my life, so I don’t cry easily, but this time, I just couldn’t control my emotions. When I looked around, so many other skaters had tears in their eyes. Yuzu was wiping his tears too. We were all just overwhelmed.

 

Fantasy on Ice and the tour in Japan are truly special for us. It's like family. That’s why everyone looks forward to it so much. The last three years, not being able to see each other, were incredibly hard. It made us realize everything we’ve been through. We managed to complete the tour without anyone falling ill, and we were able to enjoy each other's company. It was very moving. Backstage, we all cried together, realizing how special that moment was. It was a wonderful experience. It felt like everything had been leading up to that moment. If I’m able to perform again next year, it will be my final show, so I might get even more emotional.

 

—We look forward to your last performance with Hanyu. Finally, could you share a message for him?

 

Johnny: Yuzu-kun, I want to wish you so much luck in your professional career. You’ve inspired people all over the world with your determination, your passion, and of course your beautiful performances. But I hope as a professional, you're able to find so much freedom on the ice, so much freedom to express yourself, to explore different styles, to be strong and continue inspiring everyone around the world, myself included. I'm so happy for you and so proud of all the things you’ve accomplished in your competitive career. I can’t wait to see what you'll do as a professional, and I really can't wait to perform alongside you again and enjoy your performances like I always do. So, congratulations! You are wonderful, you are loved, and you are so admired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profile
Born in 1984, from Pennsylvania, USA. Highly popular for his beautiful skating that combines artistry and fashion sense. Placed 5th at the 2006 Turin Olympics and 6th at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Bronze medalist at the 2008 World Championships. Won three consecutive US National Championships from 2004 to 2006. Since retiring from competition, he has been active as a professional skater and commentator. He also works as a costume designer.