Yuzuru Hanyu clinched the first back-to-back men’s Olympic figure skating title in more than six decades on Saturday to cement his status as the “Ice Prince” of the modern era and possibly the best skater in the history of the sport. The 23-year-old superstar made light of a three-month injury hiatus to come back with a strong performance.
“I worried a lot of people as I could not practise because of my injury. So, there was stronger support than before. I was so fortunate. I’m feeling gratitude. I was able to make a jump that I wanted to do with concentration. Anyway it was good.”
His 2014 success at the Olympics in Sochi elevated him to cult status in Japan, and he did not disappoint his huge army of adoring fans. After his not-quite-spotless free skate, which opened with a quickfire quad salchow and quad toeloop, he bowed to his fans as they in turn tossed his Winnie The Pooh stuffed toys, his mascot, onto the ice.
Yuzuru, Javier & Shoma in a loving embrace after the competition.
Also check out this article in the New York Times about the hard and painful way that lead Yuzuru to his second Olympic gold.
Silver medal no big deal for Shoma “Pocket Rocket” Uno
After being badgered by reporters over whether the glass was half full or half empty after winning the silver medal on his Olympic debut Shoma Uno finally gave in. He had appeared apathetic about his achievement, telling reporters in the mixed zone there was “no special significance” to winning the silver and describing winter sport’s biggest stage as “just another competition.”
But after being asked the same question in the post-ceremony press conference, the pint-sized 20-year-old opened up a little.
“Looking back on my performance today, there is no disappointment for me. It was not close to perfect but I have been practising a lot and I was able to put that practice into action, and so in that sense I am happier more than disappointed.”
“I know that the Olympics is a special stage for many people. There are a lot of special emotions and special stories attached to the Olympics. I saw tears in different skaters’ eyes and I was kind of jealous that they were able to feel that emotion, but I did not have such an attachment myself, so I just went onto the ice to perform my skate.”
Uno: Yuzuru Hanyu was my goal, and I work hard to be like him. He will be my eternal goal, the eternal idol for me. #PyeongChang2018
— Jackie Wong (@rockerskating)
February 17, 2018
Known as the “Pocket Rocket” for his diminutive frame but phenomenal jumping ability, he said he was glad to have escaped with just one mistake in the free skate.
“I just started laughing after I missed my first loop. I didn’t feel pressured after my mistake. I just laughed and wanted to do my best. I am simply happy that I could put on my performance more than the silver medal. More than myself, I thought the Olympics was more of a special occasion for Yuzuru.”
