Yuzuru Hanyu, Winter Olympics 2014

The first gold medal ever won by Japan was won by 19 year old, Yuzuru Hanyu in men’s figure skating. It has been 8 years since Japan has gotten gold in the Winter Olympics.  Hanyu had to beat out Patrick Chan of Canada, who is of Chinese decent, to get the gold. Of course, this was a big deal for Japan, since it beat out it’s neighbor rival of China, though Chan is from Canada. China has also won 2 gold medals in speed-skating and short track speed skating.

Patrick Chan, Winter Olympics 2014

Mao Asada, Winter Olympics 2014

Furthermore into the Winter Olympics of 2014 Japan so far has 1 gold, 2 silver, and one bronze medal. China has 2 golds and 2 silvers, whilc South Korea has 1 gold and 1 bronze.Japan is also hoping for another gold in women’s figure skating with silver medalist Mao Asado going against fellow South Korean rival Yuna Kim, defending Olympic Champion.(source)

Yuna Kim, WInter Olympics 2014