World Silver medalist and nine-time French national champion reflects on current fad for quadruple jumps

Former competitive figure skater Surya Bonaly, a three-time World silver medalist and nine-time French national champion, speaks about developments in the sport during an interview held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the 45-year-old has been residing and coaching for the past four years. The skating environment has become more difficult, says Bonaly, because top skaters are now pushing themselves to do four or even five quadruple jumps in their routines, notable among them Japanese skaters such as Rika Kihira. Bonaly pointed out that while quadruples and other difficult moves might impress judges and audiences, they also raise the chances of injuries and stresses that can shorten careers. (Fumitaka Ohnishi)