Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, two-time defending Olympic men's champion Yuzuru Hanyu returned to the ice with other skaters Thursday ahead of Japan's national figure skating championships men's short program on Friday.

The 26-year-old is looking for his first national championship in five years but said competing at Nagano's Big Hat arena was not a foregone conclusion.

Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu takes part in official practice at the Big Hat arena in Nagano, central Japan, on Dec. 24, 2020, for the national championships. (Pool photo) (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

After all, Hanyu decided not to compete in this year's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating due to concerns his asthma might put him at a greater risk should he become infected with the coronavirus.

"I was conflicted about going out with the third wave (of infections) coming," he said.

The nationals serve as the qualifiers for next year's worlds, which will in turn determine the number of berths nations get for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where Hanyu will have a chance to earn his third straight Olympic gold medal.

Hanyu under-rotated his opening quad loop in Thursday's practice but landed his salchow and toe loop.

"I've been training on my own, without a coach. I have had virtually no contact with anyone but my family," he said. "I have been able to have the best practices, not just better ones."


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But competition is where it will matter, and Hanyu said he enjoyed being on the ice with others.

 

"It's been a long time since I've practiced on the ice with other skaters," Hanyu said. "It had a fresh fun feel to it."

"I have a strong desire to stand atop the middle step (of the medals podium)."

Hanyu's chief competition here is expected to come from Shoma Uno, who enters as Japan's four-time defending men's champion.

Figure skater Shoma Uno takes part in official practice at the Big Hat arena in Nagano, central Japan, on Dec. 24, 2020, for the national championships. (Pool photo) (Kyodo) ==Kyodo