Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016 GPF Photos (Part 1)

This morning, I woke up to the news that Yuzu withdrew from Japan Nationals with the flu.  I wish him a speedy recovery (Yuzu – load up Pooh with 3-Ply kleenex, they are softer).  It’s nice that at least he can spend Christmas at home nice and warm and with his family.

I wanted to share some photos that I took during Grand Prix Final, and realized I had quite a few to share so I have broken this post down into 2 parts.  Since we won’t be seeing Yuzu this weekend I thought maybe now is a good time to post some new pictures.  Part 2 will come in a few days.

Day 1 practice, ready for GPF to start!!  Here is Brian helping Yuzu find Tracy Wilson in the stands. Nobinari Oda was also in the stands in the same section as Tracy.

His joy to see her is so cute!!  Maybe he saw Oda too!

Ok, taking off the jacket, ready to rock and roll!!  Are you ready??

Taking things nice and slow, warming up the edges.

Cute scrunchy face.

Shedding the layers.  Isn’t it cute, it’s like he is a little kid taking off his top.  Kids pull and stretch and then suddenly……

POP, the top comes off!!

Yuzu checking out the time.  The clock was on the scoreboard above the stands.

Stunning form in the air.

The next 3 photos is a series where Yuzu passed by Shoma.  Shoma’s face is priceless.

End of the first practice, Yuzu relaxed and happy.

Bye Bye Yuzu, see you tomorrow!

 

Day 2 Practice

Yuzu patiently waiting for the flood to be done, checking the clock.

Again, nice slow warm up.  I love the small sculling hops he does.

Ready for some serious practice now!

Even when he scrunches up his face, it’s adorable.

Keeping an eye on the time.

Scrunching Pooh’s face.  Pooh’s face has suddenly become a stress ball?  I hope not!  🙂

Here is Yuzu playing with Pooh’s ears that I mentioned in my blog entry last week.

Stretching Pooh’s ear all the way back.  Ouch!!!

Spread eagle exiting a triple axel.

Doing another triple axel.

The moment where Yuzu literally jumps out of the screen.

Let’s Go Crazy!

Almost done practice, wiping the sweat off his face.

 

Short Program:  I actually don’t mind the way the French do the group introductions at center ice prior to the warm up.  It’s nice to see all the skaters but some of them turn around so fast !

Nice and close from Row 1.

Whoo hoo!!

The audience squealed with delight during this move.

A great start to the GPF!

 

Hope you enjoyed these few precious Yuzu moments, more to come!

 

Go Yuzu Go!!!  Doki Doki!!