In a thrilling display of talent and determination, the World Team Trophy figure skating competition continued on April 18, 2025, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, where Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu faced a challenging outing in the men's free program. After finishing in fourth place in the short program, Hanyu aimed to improve his standings but ultimately placed fifth with a score of 168.93 points.
Hanyu, representing Oriental Bio/Chukyo University, encountered difficulties during his performance, notably falling on both his opening 4-rotation flip and the subsequent 4-rotation Salchow. Despite these setbacks, he managed to recover to execute his step sequences and spins with the highest level of skill, earning level 4 on all components. After the performance, he reflected on his experience, stating, "Of course, I'm disappointed. It was far from my usual performance," highlighting the frustration he felt after struggling to regain his form.
In the competition, Ilia Malinin from the USA took the top spot with an impressive score of 183.88 points, while Japan's Soma Sato finished fourth with 169.62 points. Despite the overall challenges faced by the Japanese team, they maintained their second-place standing with a total of 80 points after two days of competition.
Hanyu's performance was particularly significant as it marked the end of the season and served as a stepping stone toward the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. "I need to reassess and correct my approach for next season," Hanyu remarked, emphasizing the importance of returning to his roots and skating purely. He expressed a desire to start fresh, saying, "I want to forget everything and skate with pure passion again." This sentiment reflects his commitment to overcoming the obstacles faced this season.
Throughout the competition, Hanyu had intended to incorporate a new jump configuration into his routine, specifically adding a 4-rotation flip in the short program. Although he fell on this attempt, he viewed it as a necessary challenge for his growth as an athlete. "I approached this with the mindset that I must do this, regardless of the outcome," he explained, demonstrating his resolve to push his limits.
The World Team Trophy is a prestigious event held every two years, featuring top skaters from around the globe. This year's competition included teams from six countries—Japan, the USA, Italy, France, Canada, and Georgia—each vying for the coveted title. The scoring system rewards points based on placement in each discipline, with a total of 12 points awarded for a first-place finish and 11 for second, accumulating to determine the overall winner.
As Hanyu concluded his season, he acknowledged the need for a thorough review of his training and performance strategies. "I need to take a hard look at everything and ensure that I am fully prepared for the next season. I don't want to experience the same regrets I felt this year," he stated, revealing his determination to improve.
Looking back at his journey, Hanyu's achievements include a remarkable second-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, which set the stage for his ongoing quest for excellence. With the Milan-Cortina Olympics on the horizon, he is focused on building a solid foundation for his training, aiming to avoid the frustrations of the current season.
The atmosphere at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was electric as fans rallied behind their national team, and Hanyu's passionate performance resonated with the audience. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating, "I wanted to convey my feelings through this program, and I gave it my all. This is my last chance to show what I can do this season." His heartfelt connection with the audience showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and the dedication that defines figure skating.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Hanyu and his teammates as they strive for success in the upcoming Olympic season. The lessons learned from this year's World Team Trophy will undoubtedly shape their approach moving forward, and Hanyu's commitment to improvement will be a driving force in his quest for greatness.
In conclusion, the World Team Trophy has provided a platform for Hanyu and his fellow competitors to showcase their skills and resilience. With the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics looming, Hanyu's journey is far from over, and fans around the world eagerly anticipate his next chapter in the world of figure skating.
