Figure skating: Retired star Asada to open coaching academy
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Retired figure skater Mao Asada, who won silver for Japan at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, announced Thursday she is embarking on a full-time coaching career.
The 34-year-old hopes to train some of the sport's future stars at her school, the Kinoshita MAO Academy, which is scheduled to open on Aug. 1.
"I'm taking a new step. I want to instruct each skater carefully one-on-one," Asada said at a press conference in Tokyo.
The three-time world champion has stayed active, performing in ice shows since retiring from competition in 2017.
The school has been developed with the backing of the Tokyo-based Kinoshita Group, which operates construction and nursing care businesses.
Asada oversaw the construction of a rink in the western Tokyo city of Tachikawa that was completed in November.
She plans to instruct around 10 pupils aged between 5 and 9 at the school, hoping to "develop skaters who can be world No. 1."
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Yomiuri Shimbun
8 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Figure Skater Mao Asada to Establish Academy to Nurture Top Skaters; Academy to Open in August in Tokyo's Tachikawa
The Yomiuri Shimbun Mao Asada poses for a photo in Tokyo on Thursday. Female figure skater Mao Asada, who took silver at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and Kinoshita Group announced Thursday they will launch the Kinoshita Mao Academy in August with the aim of nurturing the next generation of world-class skaters. 'I will take this new step forward as a coach,' said Asada, 34, at a press conference in Tokyo. 'My dream is to train those who will go on to become world-class skaters.' Asada will be directly involved in teaching at the eponymous Mao Rink in Tachikawa, Tokyo. The academy aims to teach children aged 5 to 9. Applications will be accepted until June 30, with 10 students to be selected through a skill test and interview. In addition to on-ice training, the academy will offer a training program that combines ballet and rhythmic gymnastics. They will also offer a scholarship program and establish a club geared toward beginners. As a professional skater, Asada has been energetically performing in ice shows. Regarding her future activities, she said, 'It's half and half. First, I will concentrate all my energy on teaching, and then I will be happy if my dream [of sending skaters to the Olympics] comes true.'
Kyodo News
10 hours ago
- Kyodo News
Figure skating: Retired star Mao Asada to open coaching academy
KYODO NEWS - 17 hours ago - 18:40 | Sports, All Retired figure skater Mao Asada, who won silver for Japan at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, announced Thursday she is embarking on a full-time coaching career. The 34-year-old hopes to train some of the sport's future stars at her school, the Kinoshita MAO Academy, which is scheduled to open on Aug. 1. "I'm taking a new step. I want to instruct each skater carefully one-on-one," Asada said at a press conference in Tokyo. The three-time world champion has stayed active, performing in ice shows since retiring from competition in 2017. The school has been developed with the backing of the Tokyo-based Kinoshita Group, which operates construction and nursing care businesses. Asada oversaw the construction of a rink in the western Tokyo city of Tachikawa that was completed in November. She plans to instruct around 10 pupils aged between 5 and 9 at the school, hoping to "develop skaters who can be world No. 1." Related coverage: Figure skating: Teen star Nishino signals big future with quad jumps Figure skating: U.S. holds on to win World Team Trophy, Japan 2nd Figure skating: U.S. leads Japan ahead of World Team Trophy final day
The Mainichi
a day ago
- The Mainichi
Figure skating: Retired star Asada to open coaching academy
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Retired figure skater Mao Asada, who won silver for Japan at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, announced Thursday she is embarking on a full-time coaching career. The 34-year-old hopes to train some of the sport's future stars at her school, the Kinoshita MAO Academy, which is scheduled to open on Aug. 1. "I'm taking a new step. I want to instruct each skater carefully one-on-one," Asada said at a press conference in Tokyo. The three-time world champion has stayed active, performing in ice shows since retiring from competition in 2017. The school has been developed with the backing of the Tokyo-based Kinoshita Group, which operates construction and nursing care businesses. Asada oversaw the construction of a rink in the western Tokyo city of Tachikawa that was completed in November. She plans to instruct around 10 pupils aged between 5 and 9 at the school, hoping to "develop skaters who can be world No. 1."
