[2014.02.16] Nikkan Sports - Collection of Yuzuru Hanyu essays from junior high school skating club

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine-translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2014.02.16

 

Source: 

https://x.com/yuzu_matsubarko/status/1339870904692576256

https://ameblo.jp/minminmin-vync/entry-12644926769.html

https://ameblo.jp/poissonbleu/entry-12237370801.html

 

 

<Essay that Hanyu wrote when he was in the skating club at Nanakita Junior High School>

 

 

 

Skating Club

“Becoming the Club President…”
First-year, Yuzuru Hanyu

 

There is only one member in the skating club, and that is me. Therefore, even though I'm a freshman, I've been appointed the new club president starting in the second semester.

 

There are things I want to focus on and work hard at as club president.

 

The thing I especially want to focus on is maintaining good manners and gratitude. The reason is simple: I joined the skating club because I love skating.

 

I've been learning skating since I was four years old, but there were times when I forgot to feel grateful. Sometimes practice was tough, and I would run away and just play, or I would sulk through it to avoid being scolded by my parents.

 

However, after becoming club president, I began to realize how lucky I am to be allowed to do something I truly love.

 

Therefore, since I am being supported by my parents, my skating teachers, and the teachers of the skating club, I want to respond to that by performing even better, behaving in a manner worthy of a representative of Nanakita Junior High, and spreading my wings nationally, and then to the world stage.

 

 

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“Toward the Big Stage in February”
Second-year, Yuzuru Hanyu

 

I have been active as a member of the skating club since last year.

 

I practice at a skating rink near Seiyu. Every day, I practice from 5:00 to 7:00 during general public hours, and then on Mondays and Thursdays, I have a one-and-a-half-hour private practice after that. I also have morning practice on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

I am working hard in my daily practice in preparation for the All-Japan Junior Championships and the World Junior Championships in February.

 

In particular, for the World Junior Championships, I have to compete as a representative of Japan among 17- and 18-year-old skaters, so I want to give it my all and perform fair and square.

 

Also, starting this season, I moved up one class and became the youngest in that group, but I was able to win the All-Japan Junior Championships. I'll continue to work hard and do my best, never forgetting my original intention.

 

 

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“Leave Your Name in the Tradition”
Third-year, Class 4, Yuzuru Hanyu

 

Before I knew it, my three years in the skating club were drawing to a close, and my life in junior high school was coming to an end as well.

 

During these three years, I have felt and learned many things. Last year, I was able to win the National Junior High School Championships for the second consecutive time, and I believe I was able to reach this point thanks to the support of my club advisors, coaches, parents, and others. Thank you very much. The championships are not over yet, so I ask for your continued support.

 

I'm truly glad that I enrolled at Nanakita Junior High School.

 

The senior members of the Nanakita Junior High skating club have competed in the Olympics and won All-Japan Championships, leaving their names in history.

 

Because of this proud tradition, the skating club has been able to continue even when there was only one member.

 

I hope that one day I, too, can leave my name in the tradition of the Nanakita Junior High skating club. As a first step, I aim to win the National Junior High School Championships three times in a row.

 

Even after I graduate from Nanakita Junior High School, I want to remember this tradition, continue putting in my best effort every day, never forget to be grateful, and keep doing my best.

 

 

 

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