When "Yuri on Ice" premiered in 2016 it became an instant hit not just for its captivating sports drama but also for its diverse representation of figure skating. The anime series followed the story of Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki who with the help of his talented coach Viktor Nikiforov and his rival Yuri Plisetsky challenged himself to become a world-class athlete and win the Grand Prix Final.
Fans were not only drawn to the thrilling competitions and heartfelt relationships in the show but also the realistic portrayal of the sport itself. "Yuri on Ice" paid attention to every detail of figure skating from the intricate choreography and technical elements of the programs to the skaters' emotional expressions and inner monologues.
Many viewers who were not familiar with figure skating before watching the series found themselves inspired and curious about the sport. Some started watching real-life figure skating competitions to see firsthand the skills and artistry showcased in the anime. Others took it a step further and decided to try figure skating themselves.
The impact of "Yuri on Ice" on the figure skating community was evident in the numerous fan art cosplay and fanfiction that appeared online after the show's debut. Fans also created their original figure skating programs inspired by the characters and shared them on social media.
One notable fan composite that gained attention was a video combining footage of Japanese figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu and the "Yuri on Ice" characters skating to the same music. Hanyu who won two consecutive gold medals in the men's singles competition at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics is known for his artistic performances and innovative jumps much like the fictional Viktor Nikiforov.
The fan composite which used the song "History Maker" by Dean Fujioka seamlessly blended Hanyu's elegant moves with scenes from the anime creating a magical and uplifting experience for fans of both Hanyu and "Yuri on Ice." The video's creator Twitter user @fanyuzuruhanyu wrote in the caption "Watching figure skating will never be the same for me after 'Yuri on Ice' came along."
The influence of "Yuri on Ice" on the figure skating world continues to be felt years after the show ended. Skaters have reported receiving fan mail from viewers who were inspired to take up the sport while some coaches have incorporated the anime into their training programs to motivate their students.
For fans who want to try figure skating themselves many rinks offer beginner classes and private lessons with experienced coaches. Figure skating requires dedication and discipline but as "Yuri on Ice" showed the journey can also be a rewarding and exhilarating experience.
