Photo/Illutration Yuzuru Hanyu completes his free program at the Beijing Winter Olympics. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu announced on July 19 that he was hanging up his skates and retiring from competition after a glorious career that saw his popularity soar worldwide. 

Hanyu, 27, held a news conference in Tokyo to announce his retirement.

He won gold medals at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 and the Pyeongchang Games four years later, becoming the first repeat Olympic champion in men’s figure skating in 66 years.

In 2018, he became the youngest recipient of the People’s Honor Award and the first among Winter Olympic gold medalists.

Hanyu also won the world championships in 2014 and 2017 as well as four straight Grand Prix Finals from 2013. He also won six All-Japan Championships.

He tried to become the first male figure skater in 94 years to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals, but finished off the podium in fourth at the Beijing Winter Olympics this year.

While he did not successfully land the quad axel that he set as a goal, the International Skating Union recognized Hanyu as the first to attempt the jump.

An injury to his right ankle prevented Hanyu from competing in the world championships in March.

After the Beijing Games, Hanyu indicated that he might appear in ice shows rather than continue competing. 

A native of Sendai, Hanyu inspired many affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Miyagi Prefecture was one of the three prefectures in northern Japan most heavily damaged by the natural disaster.

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