THE JAPAN NEWS

 

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — The government on Friday decided to bestow the People’s Honor Award on two-time Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu.

Hanyu, 23, won the men’s gold medal at two consecutive Olympics, in the 2014 Sochi Games in Russia and the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in South Korea — the first time in 66 years the feat had been achieved in men’s figure skating.

“Hanyu has made historic accomplishments,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference, referring to the two straight Olympic wins. “He moved and inspired many people, and provided hope and courage to society.”

The skater will be the first Winter Olympic athlete, and also the youngest individual, to receive the honor. The presentation ceremony will be held at the Prime Minister’s Office on July 2. Since it was established in 1977, the award has been presented to 25 individuals and one group.

In a statement released through the Japan Skating Federation on Friday, Hanyu said that he feels “extremely honored” by the government’s decision to give him the award, while showing gratitude to “the great pioneers in figure skating.”

He also expressed thanks for the encouragement he received from people afflicted by the March 2011 devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the Tohoku region.

Hanyu, a native of Sendai, was also affected by the disaster, which forced him to evacuate.