The two-time Olympic champion, Yuzuru Hanyu, announced his retirement from competitive skating on Tuesday. He stated that he will continue in a professional capacity but will no longer be participating in judged competitions.

The news came to the great disappointment of millions of fans and the hundreds of skaters he inspired in his career. His long-term rival, Nathan Chen, being one of them, paid tribute to the figure skating GOAT and all that he’s done for the sport.

Nathan Chen on Hanyu’s retirement

Yuzuru Hanyu’s retirement news followed a flurry of congratulatory posts on social media platforms from fans and athletes alike. In his over-a-decade-long career, the two-time world champion impacted the lives of many skaters, setting higher standards with every competition. Yuzuru Hanyu has a massive fanbase around the globe, and the bunch is known as ‘fanyu’.

His rivalry with Olympic champion Nathan Chen drew a lot of attention. Notably, the two skaters went head-to-head for that top spot on the podium in all the major competitions. On the news of Hanyu’s retirement, Chen took to Instagram to express his gratitude and respect for the veteran skater.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to have been able to stand on the same ice as Yuzuru Hanyu. Thank you for everything you have done for the sport, and everything you will undoubtedly continue to do for it🙏,” he wrote. The two skaters maintained a healthy rivalry, lauding each other for their achievements and passion. 

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Chen has referred to Hanyu as the GOAT in multiple press conferences. In turn, Hanyu also has praised Chen’s skating prowess. The six-time US Champion isn’t the only skater paying tribute to Hanyu’s illustrious career. A long list of skaters talked about the skating legend’s retirement.

Skaters paying tribute to Yuzuru Hanyu

Yuzuru Hanyu is the only men’s singles skater to achieve the Super Slam. He has won gold at every major international competition in both senior and junior divisions. He was the first skater to break the 100-point barrier in the short program, the 200-point barrier in the free skate, and the 300-point barrier in combined total scores.

Consequently. the Russian King of Ice, Evgeni Plushenko, wrote a message for Hanyu. “I would like to wish him all the best in his professional career and I hope he will make people in the world happy with this show appearances. Good luck for your future my friend Yuzuru san 💪🏻,” he said.

Hanyu’s former rink mates USA’s Jason Brown, Russia’s Evgenia Medvedeva, and American skating icon Johnny Weir also paid tribute to the skater. Also included in the list are Japan’s Miki Ando, rising skating sensation Ilia Malinin, and fanyu represent Italy’s Daniel Grassl.

Russian ladies’ skating icons, Alena Kostornaia and Anna Shcherbakova, among many others, also posted pictures with Hanyu, wishing him well on his journey ahead. Of course, Hanyu’s biggest cheerleader, retired skater Nobunari Oda, wrote a heartwarming message, shedding a few tears on his retirement. Yuzuru Hanyu impacted many lives through his skating.

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