So I have a spreadsheet to track all of Yuzu’s jumps in international comps that I haven’t updated in two years. With the 4A having happened, I decided to catch up (admittedly, not a lot of work to do considering COVID and that tricky ankle) and saw this the moment I opened the file:
TBF, it is quite amusing how good at edge-calling judges can be ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
the saga of my mom’s spiral back into figure skating
If anyone needs a spirit lift, here’s a list of things my mom has done since the Olympics started:
has sat down to breakfast every morning armed with her giant mug and the latest and greatest figure skating gossip; never one without the other
mandatory reminiscence about the days of Kristi Yamaguchi, the GOAT residing in her heart
mandatory comparison of every skater to Kristi, regardless of discipline (and no, your fav will never match up to her)
in the fashion of a seasoned figure skating fan, calls the judges dumb but still gets really excited when someone she likes gets good scores
she actually likes everyone because they’re all precious babies
every time she sees an Asian athlete, she goes into Asian mom mode and unfailingly says: 太乖了太乖了 = “such a sweet/good [child]” x2
clicks on every headline involving either Yuzuru Hanyu or Nathan Chen
pronounces Yuzuru’s name as “Yuzuzu”
researched Yuzuzu on the almighty Wikipedia and determined that his height and age are optimal. Optimal for what, you might ask:
based on the above information, determined that Yuzuzu would make the perfect son-in-law for her painfully single daughter (AKA me) and suggested that I take a plane to Japan and propose marriage to him, after which he would apparently marry into my family and I would raise him on my graphic designer salary plus benefits
if the proposal is a failure, the backup plan is finding a man of his likeness on a dating app via a succinct bio: “If you are similar to Yuzuru Hanyu, I will consider you”
was dismayed to find that all the fellow moms in her group chat also want him as a son-in-law, hence she reluctantly told me that she’s giving up on the idea (she has not given up, if her continuous lamenting about the competition is any indication)
thinks Keegan Messing is the funniest man alive after his whole travel debacle. My mom is the type who would find it hysterical if you fell down the stairs (as long as you’re okay)
we were all discussing skaters’ height during Nathan’s free and she recited his height instantaneously. I do not know when she looked it up or how she remembered it because she tends to forget trivia the moment she learns it
also looked up Shoma Uno’s and Yuma Kagiyama’s heights and found bragging rights in that she is taller than them (she isn’t)
casually researched Nathan’s background and stalked discovered his dad’s LinkedIn page. My only justification for this is that she has the mentality of a sociable businesswoman
asked if Nathan is from California. When told he is from Utah, asked if he is Mormon
apparently the mom group chat also partakes in just as much angry discourse about Yuzuzu vs. Nathan as Twitter. Basically, no one can escape from this timeline
I am 100% certain that the only reason she has not suggested me taking a plane to Utah to propose marriage to Nathan is because he is younger than me. You have been spared, Nathan. Yuzuzu, though, get ready
so far has ended every event asking me what I’m good at and why I’m not as good at anything as the skaters are at skating
This is only after watching the men’s discipline. I fear that this is only the beginning.
For years, I have been reluctant to comment on the whole Yuzuru vs. Nathan media subject. I possess a weak (figurative) heart and an anxious disposition, so it follows that I dislike conflict.
Then I realized that this is possibly the last time we will see the two compete on the same ice. And that makes me a bit sad.
I’ve concluded that over the years, what’s been most irksome about all the “YUZURU VS. NATHAN SHOWDOWN TO THE DEATH” headlines is that they’re some of the laziest writing I have ever borne witness to. For years, we’ve been reading the same thing. I’d venture a guess that they brainstormed all of these headlines back in 2015 and have been pulling from that hat for the last several years.
These journalists are still out here trying to convince everyone that there’s an intense rivalry going down between two chill dudes, one of whom is in a perpetual state of needing a bangs trim and the other whose peak fashion aesthetic is slapping Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on his Under Armour; and both of whom are in some kind of unspoken competition to out-compliment the other. Understandably, these two are not the easiest subject material to work with when it comes to crafting maximum drama. But how can the best topic someone thinks of be some “dethroning” fluff? How perfectly tame. Clickbait has evolved far beyond the media’s capabilities, and they’re not even trying to keep up anymore.
If they’re going to twist the narrative to that degree, then they should really commit. Go big or go home; or whatever it is the kids say nowadays. So for this fated free skate, I want to see creativity. I want to actually feel something read the news. I want to see headlines like, “Successful two-time gold digger and Ivy League dinosaur tamer assault one another with spinning foot knife martial arts.” Now, that is a headline that would incite me to click. Also would make an impressive article thumbnail, if I do say so myself.
All jokes aside (is it a joke though): everything about and surrounding this sport is a dumpster fire except for the athletes themselves. It saddens me that every single event becomes a issue of Yuzuru vs. Nathan when the root problem lies in the system and the media that capitalizes on it.
I’m not going to lie, when Nathan first started getting tied into the whole mess years ago, I fell victim to it. His skating was not my cup of tea, and I grew frustrated with his scores in comparison to Yuzuru’s. I had to consciously remind myself over and over that they are the performers; they are responsible for nothing aside from what they do on the ice. I stayed out of as much discourse as possible because I don’t like confrontation, and also because I knew that my anger would lead me to say something that I would regret.
Some amount of aging has left me in quite the state of apathy, where I am content watching pretty people defy gravity and less bothered about what happens outside of that. Not completely; I think that’s impossible, but it’s nice to be able to read an incendiary headline and find it absolutely hilarious. I laughed so hard reading the preview text for that article about “prince vs. king” or whatever that I’m pretty sure I have a six-pack now.
I’m not trying to say that everyone should stop getting angry over things that demand it. But especially on the internet, there is a fine line between anger and toxicity. Let’s not allow ourselves to be poisoned. Keep a clear mind. Have some cookies. Skating is first and foremost something that brings its athletes joy. Watching them should bring you joy, too.
I hope that, in spite of everything, every skater—including those who apparently exist aside from Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen? Wow, who knew—will give performances come Thursday that they themselves will be proud of. Scores and records are good. Heartfelt performances are better. Personal satisfaction is best.
both yuzuru hanyu and nathan chen have withdrawn from worlds due to injuries. i hope they heal well and wish them the best! rest up, kings, you’ve more than earned it
An interview with Yuzuru Hanyu about the “Let our gratitude reach him!” campaign that started in May, as well as the YUZU DAYS series is approaching its fourth year. Published on myrepi on October 11, 2018. Please do not use/repost my translations without my permission.
I want to say “thank you” and “congratulations” to the readers that have supported me Firstly, it was truly thanks to everyone’s support that I was able to repeat my title like this. Thank you very much.
This is about when I was a kid, but I liked baseball so I often watched it. In the MVP interviews, people often use the expression “It was thanks to everyone that I could hit a home run today.” When I was a child, I’d think “Is that really true?” at those words, because it’s physically impossible for voices of support to carry the ball. However, because I’ve continued skating, I now feel that support is something that can be changed into strength.
This is just my interpretation, but support means expectations, and that turns into pressure. Pressure, using homework as an example, is like when you make progress and work towards a goal because there’s a deadline, right? It feels like you’re changing that pressure into strength. So, because of everyone’s expectations and support, I thought “I want to win the gold medal. I have to win it” and that it became my driving force. So I really am turning support into strength, and I want to say “thank you” for that. But even more than that, everyone’s power manifested into results through me as a vehicle, and I want to tell everyone “congratulations” for that as well.
To me, YUZU DAYS is a place I can stay true to myself I believe I am speaking openly in YUZU DAYS. It’s exclusive to members and in series format, so I can relax and speak about myself.
I think this is a place where I can convey my true self with ease, say what I really want to say, and openly say “this is how I am” and “I’m this kind of person.”
I want the comment section to be a place you can be yourself It also comes across to me that everyone is leaving comments with peace of mind. It’s probably because I’m speaking with peace of mind, so everyone can also write [their feelings] and be at ease.
I can also communicate through skating and appearing in media, but there aren’t many places where everyone can directly tell me their individual thoughts. I want this to be a place where people can say those things here. I can be myself because a place like this exists, and I want the comment section to become somewhere everyone can be themselves too.
I want YUZU DAYS to be a place where feelings of “congratulations” and “thank you” from the heart can be expressed.
An interview with Yuzuru Hanyu on the 2018 Winter Olympics, where he became the first man in 66 years to repeat his Olympic title despite a severe injury just three months prior. Please do not use/repost my translations without my permission. Published on myrepi on October 11, 2018.
My feelings as I headed into the Olympics: I’m okay, so don’t worry I was injured this time, so it was strongly conveyed to me that everyone was waiting and cheering for me while worrying. When I entered the Olympic rink, I was thinking “Everyone, I’m okay so don’t worry” to everyone supporting me. I also skated while thinking “I’ve received everyone’s feelings of worry for me, and I’ve come back alright.” The three months before entering the Olympics were very difficult, but I had decided “I want to do this much” with concrete goals. I practiced while completely believing that I could win the Olympics if I at least achieved these goals I set for myself. I was finally able to achieve those goals during the last practice before leaving for Pyeongchang. That’s why, when I entered the rink, it felt like “I’ve finished my preparations to win.”
The steps of my free skate: I wanted to remember this moment I can never return to Out of all my performances at the Olympics the steps at the end of my free left the greatest impression on me. Right then, I felt that “I’ve won this Olympics,” so I let my joy explode while I skated. I ended up jumping the triple lutz before that in a weird direction and it wouldn’t have been strange if I fell, but I held on. I was amused that I didn’t fall, and I completely became my true self after that. There are things I have to express for the performance, so I don’t think it’s good to conclude things with my own happiness. The Abe no Seimei that I portray in SEIMEI has the image of a mysterious person with immeasurable ability, but I became my true self during those last steps and it ended up feeling like “I’m just happy!” (laughs) But in that moment, I think that was good in its own way. I wanted to properly feel the joy I could only get a taste of at this Olympics and commit it to my memory. My life may go on for many decades, but that was a moment I can never return to again. I wanted to remember it and enjoy it from my heart.
I felt the most free the moment I got on the podium The moment I felt the happiest was when I got on the podium. When I stand in the gold medalist’s spot, I never put my feet down anywhere and just get on the podium like ‘dun!’ It’s partly because I want to remember the moment. As a side note, this time I was so excited and full of adrenaline that I didn’t feel any pain whatsoever in my foot. (laughs) The moment I got on the podium is when I felt “Right now, I am the most free.” In the world of sports where results are everything, I was able to prove that I had done my best up until then. Even if nothing was said, by being in first and by giving the best performance, it felt like I was standing in a territory that wouldn’t be invaded by anyone. I felt that as “freedom” inside myself, and it was a very happy moment.
Interview with Brian Orser in Kobe, published on June 28, 2018. Please do not use/repost my translations without my permission. (x)
－The state of Hanyu’s right ankle recovery? BO: Its condition has gradually gotten better. He’s jumping 4T, 3Lo, and 3A. We have to think with a long-term view, and Yuzu is doing things patiently.
－The rule change is expanding the -3 to +3 7-point GOE evaluation scale to a -5 to +5 11-point scale. BO: The mens free program will be 4 minutes instead of 4 and a half minutes, so it’ll be even more difficult. The skaters on our team are always practicing transitions, skating skills, and how to show effortless speed. That becomes their strength.
－Do you believe these rule changes mean fair winds for Hanyu? BO: It’s a good change. He’s a very well-rounded skater, not just a jumper. He has extraordinary spins and steps, transitions, and he can work with all choreography. He’s well-prepared.
－Is there any change in Hanyu after his repeat Olympic win? BO: Nope. He always has enough motivation. It’s even more amazing that his mood hasn’t come down after winning the Olympics again. He loves skating and competing. He’s matured, and he’s shouldering a lot of responsibility. He always has all kinds of goals.
－Will he be introducing 4A? BO: If he’s healthy, there’s no reason not to. He has good technique. He tried it a little last year, but since it was Olympic season, his strategy was to focus on the Olympics. Yuzu is ambitious, so I won’t stop him. As long as he’s physically prepared.
－Evgenia Medvedeva, who won silver at the Olympics, is training under you now. BO: (They are) skaters who are hard workers with wonderful personalities. It’s a very good thing for Yuzu. I’m really looking forward to it.
Yuzuru and Sano’s talk corner from Continues With Wings Day 3, featuring Mura for demonstrations. Please do not use/repost my translations without my permission.
S: Today, well, Hanyu-san is in sneakers, so I’d like to introduce Hanyu-san’s wonderful techniques today (Y: Hahaha so embarrassing), but we’ll have Mura-san demonstrate.
Y: Ganbatte ganbatte~ Everyone’s expecting things from you.
M: Could you stop raising the hurdle…
S: Let’s introduce today’s program, or rather the technique we’ll be presenting. Video, please.
(video of Yuzuru’s spread eagle - 3A - spread eagle from Ballade 1.0)
S: Entering from a spread eagle, a triple axel. He lands and does a spread eagle, and changes [edge] here. (x2)
Y: He’s very good.
S: Hanyu-san is.
Y: He’s very good, isn’t he?
S: Very good.
Y: Very good.
S: He’s really amazing.
Y: Truly.
S: Was my commentary a little annoying?
Y: Not at all!
S: It was okay?
Y: I really like Sano-sensei’s commentary. I think all skaters definitely do. There’s no other commentary that’s so fun to watch.
S: So then from now on as well (Y: Please do), along with my own skating… Well then, what you just watched was [an axel] from an eagle, but now we’d like to have Mura-san to do the normal entry for an axel, backwards on the right foot.
Y: Ganbatte ganbatte~
S: It’s okay, the number of rotations doesn’t matter so….
Y: It doesn’t matter so…
S: 4.5 rotations is fine too!
Y: 5.5 rotations is fine too!
(Mura jumps a normal 2A)
S: From one foot, on a back outside edge, he switches to his left foot and… double axel! That was splendid.
Y: It was very beautiful for an axel if the number of rotations don’t matter. Amazing, as expected.
S: As expected.
Y: As expected of Mura-kun.
M: I don’t think I’ve ever jumped an axel while being this nervous before.
Y: And there’s no music too… Did you want music?
S: That was a normal axel just now. Usually, when you’re first taught the three jump [t/n: aka waltz jump], it’s from a right back outside edge and then you jump forward like just now. This is one of the first things that’s taught, so it’s an important foundation. But by the way, that’s insufficient in Hanyu-san’s case.
Y: Insufficient…
S: Yes. As for where you’re aiming, it’s for GOE+3. Yes.
Y: (holding 3 fingers up) Three!
S: An axel for the sake of getting GOE+3. First, he does a spread eagle, then when he lands he does an outside eagle and then an inside eagle from there.
Y: Ganbatte~ The number of rotations doesn’t matter.
S: Yes, it’s okay. The number of rotations doesn’t matter at all.
M: I’m going to say this beforehand, but I haven’t even done this a single time.
Audience: (cheers)
Y: The audience is completely wishing for a triple axel.
S: Does it feel like it’ll go well?
Y: He was practicing it quite a bit, but there wasn’t a single attempt that went well. Ganbare~
S: It’s okay, it’ll go well. From a spread eagle… A triple axel!!! Spread eagle, change [edge]. It went well! You did it!
Y: You did it! How did it feel?
M: It’s super scary.
S: Super scary. Hanyu-san, when was the first time you did it?
Y: I’ve always practiced jumping axels from spread eagles. That’s true for the single axel too, as well as the delayed axel I’m doing now, which is an axel that I bring my legs together after opening them. I’ve always done those from a spread eagle, so it might be better to say that this is my foundation. That’s why, even when my axel from a normal back outside edge like what Mura-kun just did falls apart, I use the spread eagle [entry].
S: Wow, that’s how it is. That’s quite… But it’s conversely working for you as a positive. It’s wonderful. Mura-san, you did it for the first time just now and your heart was pounding, so maybe that’s why your back outside [eagle] was a little short?
M: That’s true…
S: I saw it like that to a certain extent, but the audience surely is satisfied with that, so it’s okay. Thank you very much.
Y: I saw Mura-kun jumping an axel from a spread eagle for the first time.
M: You know, while I was competing, I didn’t do it a single time.
Y: Well since you’ve become a pro skater, you have to challenge various things now.
M: Yeah…
Y: You have a lot of work.
M: I think you let me experience something really good.
S: It seems like we’re out of time, so I’d like to end this corner.
