There are very few athletes who command as much crowd presence and fandom strength as Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu. The 27-year-old figure skater — hailed as the Ice Prince of Japan — is a two-time Olympic champion in figure skating and holds numerous records, even breaking many that he created himself. Considered as the “most complete figure skater” of all-time, Hanyu is well-known for his musicality, elegant artistry, technique and even his gorgeous costumes.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Hanyu attempted the first ever quad axel in competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. Although he did not land it, his attempt was commendable, especially as he did it with an injured ankle that he had sustained during practice the day before. There have been reports of the skater saying a few days later, “Ever since the free skate, I have received a lot of treatment on my ankle. I have taken a lot of painkillers, and it hurts even to walk now,” adding that doctors have advised him to stay off the ice for now.

The gravity-defying quadruple axel is notoriously hard to land. However, many still remember his quad loop, the first ever that was landed in competition, at the 2016 CS Autumn Classic International. Hanyu went into his third Olympics perhaps with an aim to defend his title, but also a personal goal to land the quadruple axel, one that he says he will continue to pursue.

Yuzuru Hanyu may not have won gold at Beijing 2022, but he has already been crowned the greatest figure skater of all time and continues to be hailed so, by fellow skaters as well. He continues to be the first male single skater in 66 years to win the Olympic champion title consecutively.

Curious about the magic that Hanyu is known to create on ice? We take a look at some of the most memorable performances by the figure skater.

Seimei at PyeongChang Olympics 2018

According to Japanese legends, Abe no Seimei was a 10th century astrologer, whose Merlin-like legacy makes him a revered figure in Japanese folklore as well. At the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, Yuzuru Hanyu channeled this mystical powerfulness during this routine that was both fierce and graceful while paying homage to his homeland. He defended his Olympic title even with an injured ankle that had cost him practice time months before the final showdown. Hanyu was praised for his brilliant interpretation of the music, which shone through this powerful and stunning performance.

Parisian Walkways at Sochi Olympics 2014

Not only did this routine win Hanyu his first Olympic gold, also the first for an Asian man, but he also created a world record for being the first ever figure skater to cross the 100-point mark. The brilliant routine had him perform a quadruple toe loop and triple axel in close succession among others. It is one of those of his routines where one can prominently see how closely Hanyu moves with the music — smooth, graceful but attentive and precise. What’s even better, you can clearly see the fun he is having on ice, which makes the performance all the more delightful to watch.

Origin at Skate Canada 2019

The choreography for this routine is meaningful to Hanyu in many ways. It is inspired from the Kojiki mythology about the creation of Japan and it also reflects Hanyu’s own relationship with skating. Among the technical details was a unique sequence of a quadruple toe loop and triple axel executed in the second half. It was praised as an innovative and difficult element to perform.

Hope and Legacy at World Championships 2017

Hope and Legacy by Joe Hisaishi has a distinct Japanese melody that is beautifully soothing. Chosen by Yuzuru Hanyu himself, the routine perfectly translates what the music might make one imagine, “the wind and trees, and fresh air and other natural phenomena”. It is also a routine which highlights not only how good Hanyu’s jumps are, but also his posturing after he lands. In an interview after winning the 2017 World Championship, Hanyu said: “I had a feeling as if I had turned into the wind, as if I were swimming in a river, a feeling of becoming one with nature. It was a kind of nice state. Every time I landed a jump I felt I was merging with nature.”

Heaven and Earth at Japan Figure Skating Championship 2020

The Japanese instruments used in this musical piece become all the more prominent when Yuzuru Hanyu skates on it. Particularly memorable is his performance at the Japanese Nationals in 2020. The performance pays homage to Uesugi Kenshin, a Japanese warlord who later turned to priesthood and symbolises one’s position in the world, between heaven and earth. Compared to his Seimei routine, which is bolder, this routine clearly indicates a need for inner reflections through his sharp and precise movements.