Yuko Kawaguchi and the Impact of Sanctions on a Pro Skater’s Life
Japanese skater Yuko Kawaguchi, once a European champion skating for Russia in pair events, has spoken about how anti-Russian sanctions affected her ability to travel and live. Her remarks were reported by RIA News and reflect a broader climate that reached many athletes across the skating world.
According to Kawaguchi, the sanctions shaped daily life in practical ways. She explained that home visits have become impractical because tickets are exceedingly expensive and lengthy journeys are now the norm. She described travel times that extend far beyond ten hours, often requiring more than 30 hours with multiple transfers. These conditions have disrupted a familiar rhythm she once maintained, including a yearly trip back to Japan. The new reality of international travel in her sport has added stress to the routines of disciplined training and competition, influencing decisions about where to train and compete and how to stay connected with family and supporters [RIA News].
Born and raised in Japan, Kawaguchi moved to the United States at eighteen and later relocated to Russia several years after. Her early career saw her studying under the guidance of respected coach Tamara Moskvina. This coaching lineage helped shape her technique and competitive instincts as she navigated national team responsibilities across different countries [athlete profile].
In 2006, Kawaguchi represented the Japan and United States national teams before forming a high-profile partnership with Alexander Smirnov. The duo later skated for Russia in major international competitions. Their collaboration yielded notable successes, including two European Championship titles and bronze medals at the World Championships, achievements that underscored Kawaguchi’s versatility and adaptability on the ice [competition records].
Her career also features a notable citizenship change. In 2008 Kawaguchi filed for Russian citizenship, which was granted within the same year. She pursued higher education as well, completing studies at Saint Petersburg State University while continuing to train and compete at an elite level in the sport she loves [biographical notes].
The spring season of 2022 marked a turning point when the International Skating Union suspended all Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. This suspension added another layer of complexity to Kawaguchi’s professional life, influencing decisions about training locations, coaching, and international competition schedules as she sought to maintain performance at the highest level in a shifting competitive landscape [ISU announcement].
In discussing contemporary events within the sport, Kawaguchi also voiced personal opinions about Kamila Valieva. She suggested that the doping allegations surrounding Valieva did not align with her understanding of the case, reflecting the broader debates within the skating community as fans and officials sought clarity amid evolving investigations [interview remarks].