Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

OSAKA, Japan, May 20 Kyodo - Turin Olympics figure skating gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa (far R) pitches fishery foods at a just-opened exhibition at the World Exposition in Osaka on May 19, 2025, highlighting the recovery of three northeastern Japan prefectures severely affected by the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster. (Kyodo)

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Turin Olympics figure skating gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa (2nd from R) poses in front of a "digital monument" at the World Exposition in Osaka on May 19, 2025, as an exhibition highlighting the recovery of the three northeastern Japan prefectures severely affected by the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster begins the same day. Shown on the screen is the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture.

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Turin Olympics figure skating gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa (far R) pitches fishery foods at a just-opened exhibition at the World Exposition in Osaka on May 19, 2025, highlighting the recovery of three northeastern Japan prefectures severely affected by the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster.

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Turin Olympics figure skating gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa (2nd from L) poses for a photo during the opening ceremony of an exhibition at the World Exposition in Osaka on May 19, 2025, highlighting the recovery of the three northeastern Japan prefectures severely affected by the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster.

(SP)GERMANY-BERLIN-SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES 2023-CLOSING CEREMONY

(SP)GERMANY-BERLIN-SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES 2023-CLOSING CEREMONY

(230626) -- BERLIN, June 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Stefano Lo Russo (C), mayor of Italy's Turin, representing host city of Special Olympics World Games 2025, waves the Special Olympic flag during the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany, June 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Yang)

Japanese figure skater Suguri announces retirement

Japanese figure skater Suguri announces retirement

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese figure skater Fumie Suguri, 33, eats some pudding during a press conference in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on Nov. 13, 2014, held to announce her retirement. Asked what she would like to do most after her retirement, the two-time Olympian said she wanted to eat custard pudding, a favorite food item she had refrained from eating since the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, in her determination to compete again in an Olympic Games -- before one was offered to her as a surprise.

Russia's Plushenko steals show in men's free skating of team event

Russia's Plushenko steals show in men's free skating of team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympics men's champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia reacts after performing in the men's free skating segment of the Winter Olympics figure skating team event at the Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 9, 2014. Plushenko won the free program with a high score of 168.20 points.

Russia's Plushenko steals show in men's free skating of team event

Russia's Plushenko steals show in men's free skating of team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympics champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia performs in the men's free skating segment of the Winter Olympics figure skating team event at the Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 9, 2014. Plushenko won the free program with a high score of 168.20 points.

The faces of 5-time Olympic mogul skier Uemura

The faces of 5-time Olympic mogul skier Uemura

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's five-time Olympic mogul skier Aiko Uemura expresses her feelings after finishing her competition at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 8, 2014, as seen in the right photo. Other photos show her face at the previous four Olympics (from left to right: Nagano, Salt Lake City, Turin and Vancouver).

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic men's champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia performs in the men's short program of the figure skating team competition at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 6, 2014. Plushenko finished second with 91.39 points.

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic men's champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia performs in the men's short program of the figure skating team competition at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 6, 2014. Plushenko finished in second place with 91.39 points.

Plushenko performs in Sochi Olympics team event

Plushenko performs in Sochi Olympics team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic men's champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia performs in the men's short program of the figure skating team competition at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 6, 2014. Plushenko finished in second place with 91.39 points.

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic men's champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia performs in the men's short program of the figure skating team competition at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 6, 2014. Plushenko finished in second place with 91.39 points.

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

Plushenko performs in men's short program in team event

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic men's champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia performs in the men's short program of the figure skating team competition at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 6, 2014. Plushenko finished in second place with 91.39 points.

Russian figure skater Plushenko tests ice in Sochi

Russian figure skater Plushenko tests ice in Sochi

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko tests the ice during official practice on Feb. 5, 2014, ahead of the men's figure skating team short program at the Sochi Olympics in the Russian resort town.

Russian Championships

Russian Championships

SOCHI, Russia - Turin Olympic gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko competes in the men's figure skating free skate at the Russian Championships in Sochi on Dec. 25, 2013. Plushenko was defeated by Maxim Kovtun in the event and announced he will not compete in the individual competition in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Russian Championships

Russian Championships

SOCHI, Russia - Maxim Kovtun competes in the men's figure skating free skate at the Russian Championships in Sochi on Dec. 25, 2013. Turin Olympic gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko was defeated by Kovtun in the event and announced he will not compete in the individual competition in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Kazu in Puma store opening event

Kazu in Puma store opening event

OSAKA, Japan - Kazuyoshi Miura (L), the oldest player in the J-League at 45 and currently with Yokohama FC of the second division, and Shizuka Arakawa, a professional figure skater and Turin Olympics gold medalist, take part in an opening event for a store operated by Puma Japan K.K. in Osaka on Dec. 19, 2012.

World champion Asada returns home

World champion Asada returns home

NARITA, Japan - Mao Asada, who won the gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010, arrives at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo, on March 30. Asada, the silver medalist at the Vancouver Olympics, beat Olympic gold medalist Kim Yu Na of South Korea to capture her second world title in three years.

Asada performs at worlds exhibition gala

Asada performs at worlds exhibition gala

TURIN, Italy - Mao Asada of Japan performs during the exhibition gala of the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 28, 2010. Asada, the silver medalist at the Vancouver Olympics, won the gold medal in the competition, beating South Korean archrival Kim Yu Na.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, finished fourth.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando placed fourth in the event.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando placed fourth in the event.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando placed fourth in the event.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando placed fourth in the event.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando placed fourth in the event.

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world figure skating c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's free skating at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 27, 2010. Ando placed fourth in the event.

American Nagasu tops women's SP in world c'ships

American Nagasu tops women's SP in world c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Mirai Nagasu of the United States, who placed fourth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's short program in the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 26, 2010. Nagasu, whose parents are Japanese, placed top in the event.

American Nagasu tops women's SP in world c'ships

American Nagasu tops women's SP in world c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Mirai Nagasu of the United States, who placed fourth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's short program in the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 26, 2010. Nagasu, whose parents are Japanese, placed top in the event.

American Nagasu tops women's SP in world c'ships

American Nagasu tops women's SP in world c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Mirai Nagasu of the United States, who placed fourth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's short program in the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 26, 2010. Nagasu, whose parents are Japanese, placed top in the event.

Japan's Ando performs at world c'ships

Japan's Ando performs at world c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Japan's Miki Ando, who placed fifth in the Vancouver Olympics, performs during the women's short program at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 26, 2010. Ando placed 11th after the event.

Kim Yu Na prepares for world c'ships

Kim Yu Na prepares for world c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Vancouver Olympic gold medalist Kim Yu Na of South Korea takes part in an official practice for the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 22, 2010. If Kim wins the renowned competition, she would be the first female figure skater in 18 years to win both the title and an Olympics in the same year.

Asada ready to resume rivalry with Kim at worlds

Asada ready to resume rivalry with Kim at worlds

NAGOYA, Japan - Vancouver Olympics silver medalist Mao Asada departs from Chubu airport in Aichi Prefecture for Turin, Italy, on March 23, 2010, to compete at the World Figure Skating Championships. Asada, who finished a distant second to South Korea's Kim Yu Na at the Winter Games, is determined to break Kim's total dominance of the rink.

Ando prepares for world c'ships

Ando prepares for world c'ships

TURIN, Italy - Miki Ando of Japan participates in an official practice for the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy, on March 22, 2010, ahead of the women's competition on March 26. Ando placed fifth at the Vancouver Olympics.

Japan's Alpine skier withdraws from race

Japan's Alpine skier withdraws from race

WHISTLER, Canada - Japan's Kentaro Minagawa looks disappointed after withdrawing from the men's alpine skiing slalom competition at the Vancouver Olympics at Whistler Creekside on Feb. 27, 2010. Minagawa, who narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the 2006 Turin Olympics, went out of the course during his first run.

Japan's Alpine skier withdraws from race

Japan's Alpine skier withdraws from race

WHISTLER, Canada - Japan's freestyle skiing mogul athlete Aiko Uemura, wife of alpine skier Kentaro Minagawa, visits Whistler Creekside on Feb. 27, 2010 to cheer up her husband who competes in the men's alpine skiing slalom event at the Vancouver Olympics. Minagawa, who narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the 2006 Turin Olympics, went out of the course during his first run.

Japan's Alpine skier withdraws from race

Japan's Alpine skier withdraws from race

WHISTLER, Canada - Japan's Kentaro Minagawa looks disappointed after withdrawing from the men's alpine skiing slalom competition at the Vancouver Olympics at Whistler Creekside on Feb. 27, 2010. Minagawa, who narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the 2006 Turin Olympics, went out of the course during his first run.

Austria wins gold in Nordic combined team

Austria wins gold in Nordic combined team

WHISTLER, Canada - The Austrian team celebrates after winning the gold medal in the Nordic combined event at the Vancouver Games at Whistler Olympic Park in Canada on Feb. 23, 2010. The Austrian team won back-to-back gold in the sport following the Turin Olympics.

Austria wins Nordic combined team event

Austria wins Nordic combined team event

WHISTLER, Canada - Mario Stecher of Austria celebrates after crossing the finish line in the 20-kilometer cross-country relay portion of the Nordic combined team event at the Vancouver Games at the Whistler Olympic Park in Canada on Feb. 23, 2010. The Austrian team won back-to-back gold in the sport following the Turin Olympics.

Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

RICHIMOND, Canada - Ireen Wust of the Netherlands skates to gold in the women's 1,500-meter speed skating at the Vancouver Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval on Feb. 21, 2010. Wust finished with the winning time of 1 minute, 56. 89 seconds, claiming her second Olympic gold medal since the Turin Olympics.

Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

RICHIMOND, Canada - Ireen Wust of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the women's 1,500-meter speed skating event at the Vancouver Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval on Feb. 21, 2010. Wust won the gold with a time of 1 minute, 56. 89 seconds, claiming her second gold medal since the Turin Olympics.

Holland's Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

Holland's Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

RICHIMOND, Canada - Ireen Wust of the Netherlands skates to gold in the women's 1,500-meter speed skating at the Vancouver Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2010. Wust finished with the winning time of 1 minute, 56. 89 seconds, claiming her second Olympic gold medal since the Turin Olympics.

Holland's Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

Holland's Wust wins gold in women's 1,500m speed skating

RICHIMOND, Canada - Ireen Wust of the Netherlands celebrates after her race in the women's 1,500-meter speed skating event at the Vancouver Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, Canada, on Feb. 21, 2010. Wust won the gold with a time of 1 minute, 56. 89 seconds, claiming her second gold medal since the Turin Olympics.

Uemura comes 4th, misses Olympic medal

Uemura comes 4th, misses Olympic medal

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN, Canada - Jennifer Heil of Canada plows downhill in the women's moguls in the Vancouver Olympics at Cypress Mountain on Feb. 13, 2010. Turin Olympic champion Heil won the silver following American Hannah Kearney.

Plushenko prepares for Vancouver Olympics

Plushenko prepares for Vancouver Olympics

VANCOUVER, Canada - Evgeni Plushenko of Russia practices at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver on Feb. 11 2010, a day before the opening of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The 27-year-old, who won gold at the Turin Olympics, will try to become the first male figure skater in more than 50 years to win the gold in two consecutive Olympic competitions.

Shani Davis prepares for Vancouver Olympics

Shani Davis prepares for Vancouver Olympics

RICHMOND, Canada - Shani Davis of the United States practices at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, Canada, on Feb. 7, 2010. The 27-year-old, who will skate in all five men's individual speed skating events at the Vancouver Olympics, said he is in better shape than he was four years ago when he won the gold medal in the 1,000 meters and silver in the 1,500 meters at the Turin Olympics.

Speed skater Okazaki hoping to rebound from Turin heartache

Speed skater Okazaki hoping to rebound from Turin heartache

FUJIYOSHIDA, Japan - Tomomi Okazaki (L), a speed skater and Japan's flag bearer for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, and Seiko Hashimoto, who will head the Japanese delegation to the Olympics, attend a send-off party in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2010.

Heil wins 4th World Cup event

Heil wins 4th World Cup event

CALGARY, Canada - Turin Olympics gold medalist Jennifer Heil of Canada does a flip during her qualification run in the fourth World Cup moguls event of the season in Calgary on Jan. 9, 2010. Heil won the competition.

Arakawa instructs children at Tokyo Midtown's new skating rink

Arakawa instructs children at Tokyo Midtown's new skating rink

TOKYO, Japan - Turin Olympics gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa (R) gives skating instructions to children at the outdoor skating rink in the Tokyo Midtown complex in Tokyo's Roppongi district on Jan. 5, 2010. Arakawa performed and held a skating class for children on the opening day of the ice skating rink constructed in the park area of the complex, which will be open until the end of February.

U.S. speed skater Shani Davis

U.S. speed skater Shani Davis

TOKYO, Japan - This December 2009 file photo shows Shani Davis of the United States skating at a World Cup competition in Canada. The Turin Olympics gold medalist, who has won most 1,000-meter and 1,500-meter World Cup races in the season, will skate in all five men's individual events at the Vancouver Olympics.