Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs in the men's singles free skate at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, at the Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 17.
By Kim Eun-young and Yoon Jihye
Photos = Yonhap News
Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan has now achieved two straight wins at two Olympic Games, the most recent one being at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Hanyu earned 206.17 points in the men's singles free skate at the Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 17. He scored 317.85 points in total, with 111.68 points from the short program on Feb. 16, winning the gold medal.
The Japanese skater also won the gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Thus, he has now become the first male skater to defend his Olympic title with two consecutive gold medals in the men’s singles since Dick Button from the U.S. did it in 1952.
The defending champion said in the official press conference after the performance that, “I’m just happy that I was able to stake here. It was the happiest of moments for me. My steady efforts seem to be finally paying off. My performance was not perfect, but I did a satisfying performance, which naturally led to my celebration ceremony right after the performance.”
Cha Jun-hwan skates his free program in the men's singles figure skating event at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, at the Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 17.
Korean rising figure skating star Cha Jun-hwan failed to take the gold medal, but did achieve the highest Olympic ranking by a Korea athlete in the men's singles figure skating competition. He finished 15th overall, scoring 165.16 points on Feb. 17, and giving him 248.59 points overall.
Cha said after the performance that, “I fell on the quadruple Salchow, but I immediately sprang to my feet and I did my best until the end of the program. I’ll never forget this season. It’s only my first year on the senior circuit, so I will watch out for injuries and improve myself as I grow.”
Yuzuru Hanyu (center) and Uno Shoma (left) of Japan and Javier Fernandez of Spain pose for a photo during the awards ceremony after the men's singles figure skating competition, at the Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 17. Hanyu, Uno and Fernandez grabbed gold, silver and bronze, respectively.
eykim86@korea.kr
