An interview that I thought was really insightful and just wanted to share. It gives us a look into what the next quad might look like for him. He's got a good head on his shoulders and is realistic about his own abilities and future, which is always nice to see.
Interview with the Champion/King, Yuzuru Hanyu: I still have too many shortcomings
—The figure skating season has ended with the World Championships. Standing at the top once again after the Sochi Olympics in February at which he won the first gold medal for Japanese men, this has been a season of great advancement for Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA). We ask him about his current thinking and thoughts toward his future competitive career.
Interviewer: You won the Olympics and the World Championships.
Yuzuru: Its great if we only look at the results, but on the whole some issues remain. I did not skate the FS well at the Olympics. I have regrets for all my competitions. Even if I landed all my jumps, when I look back at the performance aspect there are still rough and unfinished parts.
Interviewer: What are the areas you are especially concerned with?
Yuzuru: Expression and posture. I want to do a quadruple jump that no one else can do. But, of utmost importance now is my performance and skating skills. My posture worsened in the second half of my FS. I want to project my feelings from inside me more, and to be able to do this while doing beautiful positions.
The technical skills I have demonstrated till now cannot achieve anything. As my foundation is still not firm, in the four years I have until the Pyeongchang Olympics I want to find the direction to correct my shortcomings. Right now I would like to learn ballet.
Interviewer: Although you have become number one in the world you continue to say “I can push myself further”.
Yuzuru: The actor who won the Academy Awards this year said “The person I will be 10 years later is my hero”. At the age of 10 it would be myself at 20, when I am 20 my hero would be myself at 30. I was touched by that actor’s words, and I think this is a mindset that would allow one to remain steadfast.
As a skater maybe I would have retired 10 years down the road, but its good to think just one year or half a year ahead. That person I would become by then would be stronger mentally and physically.
Interviewer: As you move forward will your ideals change again?
Yuzuru: To put it simply the distance from my ideal has not shortened. Although I have yet to reach it, winning competitions as part of the process gives me a small sense of achievement. I think I would like to experience a big sense of achievement. Once a target has been set, to have reached it would be to have expended everything.
Even at the time I won the Olympic gold medal I already have another target in a separate place. Pyeongchang awaits. The happiness and joy of being able to do my best would enhance me, wouldn’t it?
Interviewer: In what ways do you want to grow next season?
Yuzuru: I still have too many shortcomings. I will turn 20 this year and the competitive seasons I have left are really numbered. As it will come to an end if I get injured, I want to stay healthy and day by day, just work hard to be able to expand myself in the future.
Credit: http://nanoka12.tumblr.com/post/81767330581/00l0-via-twitter-yuzuporuko