Yuzuru Hanyu

Japanese figure skater, two-time Olympic champion and first to land quadruple loop in competition. Known for technical innovation and artistry.

Born in Sendai, Japan, on December 7, 1994, Yuzuru Hanyu began skating at age four after his sister started lessons. His early training took place at the Ice Rink Sendai, where he developed under coach Nanami Abe. The devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck his hometown profoundly impacted the young skater, forcing him to train in various temporary facilities as his home rink was damaged. This experience strengthened his resolve and deepened his connection to his community. Hanyu's ascent to the sport's pinnacle began in his teenage years under coach Brian Orser in Toronto. He claimed his first major international title at the 2014 World Championships, becoming the youngest men's world champion in twelve years. That same year, he captured Olympic gold in Sochi at age 19, making history as the first Asian men's singles Olympic champion in figure skating. His career reached extraordinary heights during the 2015-2018 period, when he dominated international competition with unprecedented consistency. The Japanese star rewrote figure skating's record books through both technical innovation and scoring achievements. He became the first skater to successfully land a quadruple loop in competition and held world record scores in multiple categories. His back-to-back Olympic victories in Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 established him as the first men's singles skater to defend an Olympic title in 66 years. Throughout his competitive career, he accumulated two Olympic gold medals, two World Championship titles, and four Grand Prix Final victories. Hanyu's influence extends far beyond his competitive achievements. His artistry and musical interpretation elevated figure skating's artistic standards, while his technical innovations pushed the sport's boundaries. His performances, particularly to compositions like "Seimei" and Chopin's "Ballade No. 1," are celebrated for their emotional depth and cultural significance. Widely regarded as the greatest male figure skater in history, he turned professional in 2022, leaving behind a legacy that transformed both the technical and artistic aspects of the sport while inspiring a new generation of skaters worldwide.

Technical precision combined with exceptional artistry, known for difficult jump combinations and musical interpretation

Revolutionized men's figure skating with technical innovations and brought unprecedented popularity to the sport in Japan

• 2014 Olympic Champion
• 2018 Olympic Champion
• 2014 World Champion
• 2017 World Champion
• Four Continents Champion