Japan's ice skating queens

Akiko Suzuki - Japan has always been strong at ladies figure skating, but Shizuka Arakawa's gold medal at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics opened a new chapter in the nation's athletic history.

As the 2010 ladies solo skating competition opens up on February 23 (schedule), Japan hopes to repeat Arakawa's achievement with its three ice skating queens: Mao Asada, Miki Ando and Akiko Suzuki. All three are ranked in the official International Skating Union Top Ten.

Here's a quick guide to who's who and their public image in Japan:

Age: 19

International rank: #3

Recent accomplishment: 2010 Four Continents Champion

Crowning achievement: Two triple axel jumps in one program

Outlook: Asada made our Hot List back in 2009 for being a completely scandal-free, balanced, attractive and humble athlete -- everything Japan wants out of its representatives at the Winter Olympics. The Japanese press is sure she has the best chance at victory, and advertisers are primed to tap into her little sister charm for all sorts of promotional activities. The only question is whether she can beat her 19 year-old rival across the Sea of Japan (sorry, "East Sea") -- Kim Yu-Na. Ranked at #1, Kim has only lost twice -- both times to Asada.

Age: 22

International rank: #7

Recent accomplishment: 2007 World Champion

Crowning achievement: The only quadruple jump landed in competition history

Outlook: Ando was a favorite of the 2006 Olympics, and at the time, the gossip press concentrated on her, rather than the eventual winner Arakawa. She ended up in 15th place, however, after falling three times in the free skate competition. Wanting to get out of the media spotlight, Ando fled to the United States.

This time around, most eyes are on Asada, but Ando is hoping this lack of attention will give her strength to pull off an upset.


Age: 24

International rank: #6

Recent accomplishment: 2010 Japanese national silver medalist

Outlook: Despite ranking higher than Ando, Suzuki is generally unknown in Japan outside of ice skating circles. She is most famous for voluntarily missing the entire 2003-2004 season due to battles with anorexia. Suzuki surprised many by making the Olympic Team after narrowly defeating Yukari Nakano by 0.17 points at the Nationals competition. In interviews, Suzuki seems very happy to just be part of the Japanese contingent, but perhaps these low expectations, like with Ando, will give her the confidence to medal.






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