Japanese figure skating superstar Yuzuru Hanyu arrived in South Korea on Sunday and said he is targeting a triumphant return from injury to defend his Olympic title at the Pyeongchang Games.
"If I'm honest with myself, I want another gold medal. That's not my only goal, though. I want to really get a feel for the competition, skate the best I can and get a feel for the Olympics," he told reporters at Incheon International Airport.
The 23-year-old aims to become the first skater in 66 years to win back-to-back Olympic men's gold medals. He skipped the games' opening ceremony and the chance to represent Japan in the team event to focus on the individual competition.
His short program on Friday will be his first competition since he injured his right ankle in November. The injury, sustained during practice for the NHK Trophy when he attempted a quad lutz, forced him from December's national championships. He has since dropped the jump from his current routine.
"I've missed a lot of competitions. It was extremely frustrating, but I've focused on rehabilitating and treating the injury off the ice," he said. "I'm happy to be where the competition is taking place and just hope to prepare myself."
On what other quad jumps he has planned for the short program -- loop, salchow, or toe loop -- Hanyu said he plans to make a decision after hitting the rink at Gangneung Ice Arena.
"I have a lot of choices, and I'd also like to see what everyone else is doing," he said.
While Hanyu has only just resumed training on the ice in January, coach Brian Orser has said the two-time and reigning world champion will be "100 percent" ready to defend his crown.
Asked how he would rate his own condition, Hanyu said, "I don't know yet because I haven't skated. But I've been watching the team event and I know I want the gold medal more than anyone. I want to give it my all as I aim for the top."
The last skater to win back-to-back Olympic men's titles was American Dick Button, who did it in the 1948 and 1952 Games.
