yuzuru hanyu

“can i speak in… japanese?”

Once again, congratulations!

Thank you very much!

I saw you biting your gold medal, how do you feel? 

Yes, definitely the weight of this hanging around your neck is a totally different feeling. I think it is good I worked hard.

Looking out from the podium, what were you thinking?

Yes definitely, the national flag that I, the national flag right in the centre that I myself raised, it may be the 2nd time for me but really it was something that gave me deep thoughts

In these 4 years, yes you’ve had alot of accidents but right before this you had a very painful one too. If you could, would you please share with us your thoughts on these 2-3months?

Yes definitely skating is.. Well, it really wasn’t even about whether I could skate or not, it was really whether I could continue skating or not from then on. I really thought all the way to whether or not I should even quit skating or not, it was an extremely painful period. But in the end, being able to, like this… mmm. It was one of those moments where I think, it’s great that I can live like this after all.

Your smile has really spread to the whole of Japan. To the people of Japan and everyone else who is supporting you, please say a few words.

Asked if his foot was hurting, he said he touched his foot to thank it.