Japanese · Nagoya, Japan · Born 13 August 1969Japanese figure skater who became the first woman in history to land a triple Axel in competition, and the first Asian World Champion in any figure skating discipline.
Midori Ito was born on 13 August 1969 in Nagoya, Japan, and began skating at age four, landing her first triple jump at just eight years old under lifelong coach Machiko Yamada. Standing only 145cm tall, she developed an explosively powerful jumping style that let her perform much of the same technical content as the top men of her era. Ito placed fifth at the 1988 Calgary Olympics but stunned the skating world in the free skate by landing seven triple jumps, two more than any rival attempted. Later that year, at a regional competition in Aichi and then internationally at the NHK Trophy, she became the first woman in history to land a triple Axel in competition, a jump many considered unattainable for a woman. In 1989, she won the World Championship in Paris, becoming the first figure skater from outside Europe or North America, and the first Japanese skater in any discipline, to win a world title. At the 1992 Albertville Olympics, considered a favorite for gold, Ito fell on her first attempted triple Axel in the free skate before landing a second one to secure silver, memorably apologizing to Japan for not winning gold. She turned professional afterward, won the 1993 World Professional Championship, and was chosen to light the Olympic flame at the 1998 Nagano Games as Japan's first major Winter Olympics star. Ito returned to competitive skating in the adult ISU circuit in 2011 and continues to skate and teach in her hometown of Nagoya.
Becoming the first woman in history to land a triple Axel in competition and the first Asian figure skating World Champion
How They Played
Explosively powerful jumper renowned for exceptional height and difficulty, performing content that rivaled the top men of her era
Lasting Impact
A pioneering athletic force who ushered in a new era of powerful jumping in women's figure skating, inspiring generations of Japanese skaters who followed
Career Honours
- 1989 World Champion
- 1992 Olympic Silver Medal
- First woman to land a triple Axel in competition
- First figure skater from outside Europe/North America to win a World title
Japanese Athletes