Q 01/05

In which Japanese city was Yuzuru Hanyu born and raised?

A) Sendai

B) Nagoya

C) Osaka

D) Sapporo

Answer · why

A) Sendai

He was born in Izumi ward on December 7, 1994; his given name means 'tie the bowstring', symbolising a dignified, straight life.

Q 02/05

At what age did Hanyu start skating?

A) Eight

B) Six

C) Four

D) Two

Answer · why

C) Four

Coach Mami Yamada suggested he try it rather than being a nuisance during his sister Saya's training.

Q 03/05

Which chronic condition, diagnosed at age two, hampered Hanyu's stamina especially as a junior?

A) Anaemia

B) Diabetes

C) Epilepsy

D) Asthma

Answer · why

D) Asthma

Limited ice time in Sendai, schooling and asthma kept his training to one or two hours a day until he moved to Canada.

Q 04/05

Which sport did Hanyu's father, a junior high school teacher, recommend to him instead of skating?

A) Sumo

B) Judo

C) Football

D) Baseball

Answer · why

D) Baseball

His mother made his early costumes, including a 2010-11 free skate outfit designed by Johnny Weir.

Q 05/05

Which Olympic silver medallist did an 11-year-old Hanyu challenge to a spin battle in 2006, and lose to?

A) Evgeni Plushenko

B) Stephane Lambiel

C) Brian Joubert

D) Johnny Weir

Answer · why

B) Stephane Lambiel

He called the defeat an important lesson and resolved to improve his spins by learning from the best.