Saya Hanyu is the sister of the Japanese Winter Olympics 2022 star, Yuzuru. Typically, the ice skater has his older sibling by his side during competitions. Yuzuru has an impressive list of achievements, including two Olympic championships (2014, 2018), two World titles (2014, 2017), four Grand Prix Final titles (2013-2016), the 2020 Four Continents title, the 2010 World Junior title, the 2009-10 Junior Grand Prix Final title, and six consecutive Japanese national titles.
Together with Jan Hoffmann, he stands as the sole male single skater to have secured seven World Championship medals in the post-World War II era, winning bronze in 2012 and 2021, and silver in 2015, 2016, and 2019. He has also medaled at five additional World Championships.
In terms of age, Saya Hanyu, at 29 years old, is one year older than her renowned Olympian brother Yuzuru Hanyu, born on December 7, 1994.
Saya, having enrolled in a short figure skating course as a girl due to her interest in sports, influenced Yuzuru to join the class after her. Initially struggling to concentrate, Yuzuru later embraced figure skating, inspired by his sister’s passion.
Name | Yuzuru Hanyu |
Net Worth | $2 Million |
Date of Birth | 7 December 1994 |
Age | 28 Years Old |
Nationality | Japanese |
Religion | Buddhism |
Parents | Hidetoshi Hanyu and Yumi Hanyu |
Sister | Saya Hanyu |
However, due to financial constraints, only one sibling could pursue sports. Saya decided to leave her skating pursuits to wish her brother a prosperous future. Despite having a similar appearance, the brother-and-sister duo displayed traits of individuality, each forging their own path.
Yuzuru Hanyu stands as the only men’s singles skater to achieve a Super Slam, conquering all major competitions in both his senior and junior seasons. Hanyu is acclaimed as one of the most extraordinary Olympic skaters in history, recognized for his overall abilities, accomplishments, fame, and impact on the sport.
Yuzuru Hanyu’s parents are Hidetoshi Hanyu and Yumi Hanyu. Hanyu’s father initially suggested baseball to him before he eventually chose figure skating, also serving as the club’s advisor. In his early career, Hanyu’s mother crafted his outfits, including those for his free skate in the 2010-2011 season, a collaboration with American professional skater Johnny Weir. While his father and older sister, Saya, remained in Japan, his mother accompanied him during his training in Toronto, Canada.
The name “Hanyu,” signifying perseverance, strength, and straightness, was inspired by his father’s desire for him to “live in an honorable way like a firmly drawn bowstring.”
As an instructor, Hidetoshi had limited resources for his family. Yumi worked intermittently at a department store and a laundromat. Despite the lack of early wealth, the family led a healthy lifestyle, never forgetting their humble beginnings.
Yuzuru Hanyu was diagnosed with asthma at the age of two, a condition that gradually improved over time. Asthma remained a challenge for Hanyu well into his junior competitive career, and it was only in adult competition that he learned to manage his asthma-related endurance issues.
At the age of four, prompted by his sister’s coach, Mami Yamada, Hanyu tried skating instead of disrupting his sister’s training. Yamada noticed his enthusiasm when he stepped onto the ice. Despite a fall, he quickly got back up and continued running, impressing Yamada with his sincerity. Yamada, recognizing his potential, recommended him to Shichichir Tsuzuki, the former coach of Minoru Sano, who won Japan’s most prestigious medal at the World Figure Skating Championships.
Yuzuru Hanyu announced his decision to step back from competitive figure skating and turn professional at a press conference on July 19, 2022. He stated that he had achieved all he could in competitive skating and no longer desired to be judged. Hanyu expressed his intention to pursue his ideal skating and become a professional athlete by performing the quadruple Axel.
His departure from the professional circuit marks the end of an era, with many acknowledging that we may never see another skater like Yuzuru Hanyu. Athletes from various sports, including Japanese gymnast Kohei Uchimura, baseball star Shohei Ohtani, and tennis player Naomi Osaka, expressed gratitude and admiration in response to Hanyu’s decision.
After abstaining from virtual platforms for an extended period, Hanyu eventually created accounts on them. However, these profiles are primarily managed by staff.
He clarified that he had no intention of filming videos about his daily life but aimed to use his YouTube channel to showcase his skating and reach a wider audience, including those who cannot attend ice shows and live abroad.
During an open practice session on August 10, which was live-streamed on his channel, Hanyu performed his previous free skate programs, including a flawless rendition of Seimei with identical elements to those he had executed at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
As of 2022, Yuzuru Hanyu, a prominent figure skater from Japan, has a net worth of $2 million. He made history by becoming the first Asian male to win the Olympic men’s singles skating event. Additionally, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning two consecutive gold medals, a feat not seen since Dick Button’s back-to-back Olympic victories in 1948 and 1952. During the 2016 CS Autumn Classic International competition, Hanyu became the first skater in history to successfully complete a quadruple loop.
On April 10, Hanyu skated his previous free skate programs, delivering a flawless performance during an open practice session on his YouTube channel.