Japanese phenomenon Yuzuru Hanyu takes top title at ISU Skating Awards

Japanese phenomenon Yuzuru Hanyu took the top honour at the inaugural International Skating Union (ISU) awards on Saturday.

The 25-year-old double Olympic and World Champion, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport, picked up the 'Most Valuable Skater' acolade, decided upon by a jury made up of fans, worldwide media and ISU member Federations.

Hanyu was also nominated in the Best Costume category, but was beaten by US free dance pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates.

The Most Entertaining Programme of the 2019-20 season came from four-time World Champions Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France and the Best Newcomer award went to 16-year-old Russian Alena Kostornaia, one of the few female skaters to land a triple axel in competition.

The Best Coach award also went to Russia in the shape of Eteri Tutberidze and the Choreography equivalent was won by Canada's Shae-Lynn Bourne.

And there was a Lifetime Achievement award for another Canadian, 4-time World champion Kurt Browning, the first skater to land a 'quadruple' jump (quadruple toe loop) in competition.

The event, presented by husband and wife team Charlie and Tanith White from a studio in US city of Detroit, was 'remotely' attended by the winners and nominees because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Image credits: AP