Skating superstar Hanyu makes first performance since Winter Olympics

TOKYO -- Figure skating superstar Yuzuru Hanyu performed for the first time in public since the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics at an ice show here on April 13.

Hanyu, 23, who in February became the first male figure skater to win consecutive Winter Olympic gold medals in 66 years, managed to pull off an impressive show despite a niggling ankle injury.

"I didn't skate during the three-week period after the Olympics, but my condition is better than it was before the games. I had no problems with my steps and spins, and I was able to skate without feeling any pain," Hanyu revealed.

The multiple Olympic gold medalist has still not fully recovered from an injury to his right ankle he picked up last autumn -- triggering doubts about performing in the Tokyo show -- but he managed to skate smoothly. It was the skater's first display in 47 days.

Hanyu's performances during the show held at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza in the Tokyo suburban city of Chofu included an act called, "From Russia With Love." The figure skater decided to refrain from doing jumps, but was nevertheless greeted with loud cheers from the crowd.

After the show, Hanyu commented on next season's Grand Prix of Figure Skating, saying, "I want to appear in as many contests as possible, and do my own performances," indicating his intention to take part in tournaments from the start of next season. (Japanese original by Chisa Fukuda, Sports News Department)