Beijing, China, February 1, 2022: Japan’s figure skating hero Yuzuru Hanyu has been named in the Top 10 “Stars to Watch” at the Winter Olympics by the Olympic Information Service.
Hanyu, 27, will be bidding for a golden hat trick of men’s figure skating titles in Beijing after winning gold at Sochi in 2014 and PyeongChang four years later.
His biggest rival in Beijing will be Nathan Chen of the United States, a three-time World champion who was fifth at PyeongChang.
However, Hanyu’s two Japanese teammates, PyeongChang 2018 silver medallist and Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games champion Shoma Uno and Winter Youth Olympic Games champion Yuma Kagiyama will also be a threat.
The Olympic Information Service identifies Hanyu as the lone Asian athlete in the Top 10 and says:
“Claimed gold in men’s singles at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, the first Asian to win an Olympic figure skating title in men's singles. Hanyu is also known for his philanthropy - he donated his Olympic prize money from both gold medals - and is often showered with Winnie the Pooh teddy bears after his skates.
“Two-time Olympic champion (2014, 2018), two-time World champion (2014, 2017), and has broken 19 scoring records - the most in singles since the new ISU Judging system in 2004.”
Photos: Olympics.com
