“Kawaguchi is a very striking example of a foreigner’s love for Russia. She is one in a million, if not the only one.” – Tarasova

Honored Coach of the USSR Tatiana Tarasova told that the figure skater Yuko Kawaguchi is a striking example of how a foreigner can fall in love with Russia.

Kawaguchi, partnered with Alexander Smirnov, is a two-time European champion (2010, 2015), two-time silver medalist (2009, 2011), bronze medalist (2008) at the European Championships, two-time bronze medalist at the World Championships (2009, 2010). The couple ended their career in 2017.

— Yuko is a wonderful girl, a very good person. I liked her very much, it was clear from her that she was incredibly hardworking. She devoted herself to figure skating, in a very well-mannered manner. Yuko is a very striking example of love for Russia.

— Kawaguchi, in an interview with , said that she did not find a place in the group of Tamara Nikolaevna Moskvina (as a coach). But at the same time, she said that she was grateful for the right to choice and freedom.

— Unfortunately, that’s what happened. Yuko was so devoted to Tamara Nikolaevna and loved her so much! I think she would be good at coaching children and juniors. But she ended up in another field. Plus, she fell in love with Russia so much that she stayed here, a pure Japanese! A case in a million, if not the only one.

“I really want Yuko to succeed. I am always happy for her, I celebrate her successes, I love her. She was a great athlete,” Tarasova told .

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