[160320] Yuzuru Hanyu interview from CBC Sports

Summary

This emotional and inspiring interview with an Olympic figure skater delves into their love for the sport, challenges, and personal growth. Despite facing setbacks and losing confidence, they reignite their passion by revisiting their Olympic-winning program. They discuss the importance of performance, the deep connection to skating, and the role of their Canadian training environment. The skater also reveals their unique bond with Winnie the Pooh, which has become a symbol of good luck during competitions. With a strong desire to be not just the best, but the greatest, they share how skating brings immense joy and fulfillment in their life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yuzuru Hanyu expresses a deep passion for skating and performance, striving to skate for himself and showcase his love for the sport.
• 😀 He views himself as a challenger rather than a champion, continuously pushing himself to improve.
• 😀 Hanyu's skating is not just about technical ability but also about performance and artistry, making him one of the most complete figure skaters of all time.
• 😀 The support and admiration from fans, including those who have created prayers and circles for him, fuel his determination.
• 😀 Despite facing setbacks, such as a second-place finish at the Japanese National Championships, he finds motivation in revisiting his previous programs and rediscovering his love for skating.
• 😀 Yuzuru Hanyu considers himself 'born to skate,' and sees skating as his life’s mission.
• 😀 He values the experience and support from his friends, coaches, and fellow skaters in Canada, which helps enhance his confidence and skills.
• 😀 Hanyu’s relationship with Winnie the Pooh symbolizes his connection with his skating, as he brings the character to competitions as a form of comfort and luck.
• 😀 He has been a source of inspiration for many in Japan, especially through his involvement in post-tsunami reconstruction efforts.
• 😀 Yuzuru Hanyu is determined to not only be the best figure skater in the world but to be the best ever, constantly striving to improve both technically and artistically.

Q & A

What is Yuzuru Hanyu's primary motivation for performing in figure skating?

Yuzuru Hanyu expresses that his primary motivation is not just to win, but to perform and express himself. He loves to skate and wants to show the world what skating means to him. He emphasizes that he was 'born to skate,' and that passion for performance drives him.

How does Yuzuru Hanyu handle the pressure of competition?

Hanyu acknowledges the pressure of competition but uses it as energy to fuel his performances. He believes the pressure makes him stronger, and he channels it into his skating to perform at his best.

What personal challenges did Yuzuru Hanyu face during the 2019-2020 season?

During the 2019-2020 season, Hanyu faced a period of self-doubt and loss of confidence after a second-place finish at the Japanese National Championships. He struggled to find motivation and felt disconnected from his skating until he returned to the program that brought him gold at the 2018 Olympics, which helped reignite his passion.

What role does his relationship with Canada play in his skating career?

Yuzuru Hanyu speaks warmly about his connection to Canada, expressing that the atmosphere and support from friends and coaches there help him focus and improve. He mentions that the experiences and people in Canada contribute significantly to his emotional and technical growth as a skater.

Why is 'Winnie the Pooh' significant to Yuzuru Hanyu?

'Winnie the Pooh' is a comforting and symbolic presence for Hanyu. He takes the bear with him to every competition, not as a superstition, but as a source of personal support and motivation. It’s part of his routine and a comforting reminder of the joy he finds in skating.

How does Yuzuru Hanyu view his role as a figure skater in Japan?

Hanyu sees himself not only as a champion but as a figure who provides hope and inspiration to the people of Japan. His involvement in the reconstruction efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami is a testament to his commitment to his country beyond just his skating achievements.

What is Yuzuru Hanyu's ultimate goal in figure skating?

Yuzuru Hanyu's ultimate goal is to be the greatest figure skater of all time, not just the best in the world at any given moment. He continuously challenges himself to improve and push the boundaries of both technical skills and artistry.

How does Yuzuru Hanyu describe the energy he feels during performances?

Hanyu describes the energy he feels during performances as something that makes him more powerful. He draws strength from the pressure and from the energy of the moment, which helps him perform at his best when it matters most.

What does Yuzuru Hanyu mean when he says he 'bet his life on skating'?

By saying he 'bet his life on skating,' Hanyu means that his commitment to the sport is all-encompassing. He is willing to dedicate everything, including his emotions and energy, to skating. It's a deeply personal and profound part of his identity.

How does Yuzuru Hanyu view the balance between technical skills and artistry in figure skating?

Hanyu believes that while technical skills are important, artistry is what truly defines a great performance. He constantly strives to improve both aspects, aiming to make his skating more beautiful and expressive, not just precise and difficult.