Interviewer: So where does Hanyu get his motivation from?
Hanyu: It has to be Uchimura (Gymnast). I respect him from the bottom of my heart
Kohei Uchimura (Japan), 2 Time Olympic All-Around Champion (OG2012 / OG2016)
Figure Skating and Gymnastics have a lot in common
I think Uchimura is the type of person who uses pressure to his advantage
I don’t mean to add pressure on him but I want him to make a come back
Kohei Uchimura: I think Hanyu is the same type of person who use pressure to his advantage
He hates to lose (like me)..
Hanyu: I want to win more than anyone and I think that is important
The competitive nature in Hanyu is reflected in his pursuit of Quadruple Axel (4A)
No human had ever landed in competition. It’s 4.5 Revolutions on ice.
Hanyu practiced 4A in GPF 2019 open practice
Can I ask you a question?
Where did the sudden thought of practicing 4A come from?
Hanyu: To be honest it was because I didn’t feel like I could win that competition
But I thought that since I’ve come to the Torino Olympic venue, I want to leave a mark there
I didn’t want to leave without doing something special and my coach (my limiters) were not there. So I could make my own decision
Uchimura: It’s not about beating someone else. It’s a battle against yourself.
Adding a new skill is a way to keep yourself motivated
I never satisfy with my performance. I always have an eye on the road ahead of me
In their training camps, a revived Russian Women’s team work long hours for cherished medals
They believe they have among them, the one who might become future queen and being so much different
Who here will be the next queen of Olympics, they must aim as high as possible
But history dictates them to go much further, to a higher place, beyond the perfection of those who have gone before
Perfection. Complete package. Artistic. Technical. To be the best.
However, there’s always someone trying more difficult elements.
There is no end for perfection