Lausanne, Switzerland, July 11, 2020: Japan’s double Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu has been named Most Valuable Skater for the 2019-2020 season in the International Skating Union’s inaugural ISU Skating Awards.
The Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 gold medallist was up against Nathan Chen (USA) and Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron (FRA) for the top prize.
Hanyu said: “Figure Skating is a sport. Yes, there are shows - but we're athletes and competitors. You can't compare with only one skater. There are so many amateur skaters who compete. This is how Figure Skating as a sport is made.
“In almost every moment of daily life I'm constantly thinking of Figure Skating and I'm always hoping to become better and stronger. I spend every day trying to become better at something that I couldn't do the day before.
“As an amateur skater, I hope to work hard and deliver the outcomes I desire; as my family, coaches and fans expect from me,” he concluded.
The other winners were: Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron (FRA/Most Entertaining Programme); Alena Kostornaia (RUS/Best Newcomer), Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA/Best Costume); Best Coach, Eteri Tutberidze (RUS); Best Choreographer, Shae-Lynn Bourne (CAN). Four-time World Champion and Canadian skating legend Kurt Browning received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The other finalists in Best Newcomer were “quad queen” Alexandra Trusova (RUS) and 2020 Four Continents silver medalist You Young (KOR).
Also nominated in Best Costume were Yuzuru Hanyu’s “Origin” costume (designer: Satomi Ito) and Anna Shcherbakova (RUS) with her colour-changing costume (designer: Milena Bobkova).
The digital show was held on Saturday, July 11, and united the nominees from all over the world.
Source: www.isu.org