Hanyu defies pain to claim rare repeat Olympic gold

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Not for 66 years has a figure skater in the men’s competition managed to defend his Olympic crown. But it happened in PyeongChang on Saturday. Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu appears graceful, gentle, even angelic. Yet those descriptions belie the true story of his repeat gold medal.

Hanyu had not competed since October when he tore the ligaments of his right ankle. He was unable to put any weight on it – let alone jump, twist and land – and was doubtful of even making it to the Olympics. Yet the Games mean more to him than anything else. He said so himself after his victory.

On Sunday, with the space a day of contemplation affords, he noted that the last man to have achieved back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the event was American Dick Button in Oslo in 1952.

Yuzuru Hanyu is the first male to defend the men's figure skating title since 1952. /VCG Photo

“I could not watch his skate but I know he was actually a great skater; he was cheering for me to be able to win the title for the Olympics this time,” Hanyu said.

His PyeongChang performance was not just physical; it couldn’t be because physically he is suffering as there is not a day without pain. It was a test of character. An exercise of mind over matter. His practice leading into the Games was hardly on the ice.

It was in a room with his coaches, where he visualized being able to do what his body would not allow. It’s a path his jumps coach, Ghislain Briand, traveled with him.

“I mean it is a lot of talking and talking to ourselves too. If you believe your athletes are in front of you, it makes our job much easier," Briand said.

The pressure of the Olympic Games and hopes of a nation could destroy some athletes. And then, there are the remarkable few who refuse to give in to the adversity in their path. Yuzuru Hanyu is one.

“When I couldn’t skate, I would like to study psychology and that helped me a lot,” he said.