Yuko Kavaguti

Yuko Kavaguti (also: Kawaguchi; Japanese: , , born 20 November 1981) is a retired pair skater who represented Japan and Russia in international competition. In 2006, she began competing with Alexander Smirnov for Russia. They are two-time European champions (2010, 2015), two-time World bronze medalists (2009, 2010), two-time ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalists (11–12 and 15–16), and three-time Russian national champions (2008–2010). In 2015, they became the first pair in history to complete two quadruple throw jumps in one program and the first to land a quadruple throw loop.

Personal life In addition to her native Japanese, Kavaguti is also fluent in Russian and English. completing her degree in June 2007. In December 2008,

Kavaguti/Smirnov competed in their first Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. They were 3rd after the short program with a season's best score of 74.16, only 2.5 points behind the 1st place team of Shen/Zhao. During the warm-up the pair was told by their coach not to attempt the quad throw. The first throw was a triple Salchow; Kavaguti put her hand down and stumbled coming out of the jump. Smirnov stepped out of the double Axel and because there was no speed to complete the second Axel, the pair did not complete the sequence. Kavaguti fell on the final throw dislocating her shoulder. The pair continued but failed to achieve full levels on many of the elements. Although they were in 1st place, there were still three pairs left to skate. They placed 4th overall. They were the highest placing Russian pair skaters.

The 2010 World Championships were held in Torino, Italy. Much like the World Championships in 2009, they were second after the short program and after a fall they dropped to third in the free skate; less than a point out of 2nd place. This was their second consecutive world bronze medal.

2010–11 season In April 2010, Kavaguti had surgery on her shoulder. They took silver at the 2014 NHK Trophy and finished sixth at the Grand Prix Final. The Best in the Sport of St. Petersburg (February 2010) Honored Master of Sports of Russia (2009)

Programs

With Smirnov

Season Short program Free skating Exhibition 2016–2017 All Alone Clair de Lune The Blue Danube 2015–2016