I am Figure Skater, Mirai Nagasu. I won the US national title at 14 years old and am closing out the Winter Olympics Athlete AMA Series today, so Ask Me Anything as I get ready to go for the Gold for TEAM USA!

In the movie "Blades of Glory", there is a figure skating move there called the Iron Lotus.

If given the chance to team up with a robot skater with 0% chances of error, would you consider doing that move to get gold?

Anything for the gold medal.

At the Olympics, do you find yourself hanging out with athletes across all of the sports? Or are there sport specific cliques?

The athlete dining hall is a huge cafeteria in which all the athletes gather for some grub. I find that I naturally gravitate towards Team USA athletes since I know there won't be a language barrier, but I remember sitting with other skaters from other countries as well when I was there last time.

How was the food in the cafeteria? Anything of note? Also I seem to remember that McDonald's is an option, is that true?

Been years, but in 1996 Olympics, the food was fantastic. McDonalds was in name only - they had high quality meats, etc.

What did you compete in?

Figure skating!

Any recommendations for a hockey player trying to improve stability on my outside edges?

Don't be afraid of putting on a pair of figure skates. I think they could really help.

Also, I do a lot of stability on the Bosu ball at the gym which might help.

Hi Mirai, what do you enjoy most about the competing having been in some of the top competitions in the world? Also what's your diet like during training season? Thanks and good luck on PyeongChang!

I enjoy challenging myself and trying to better myself in a high pressure situation.

During the season, I try to eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. I eat to fuel and have found that finding the right balance has been extremely important for my regime.

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Hot but not burning lava hot, so whatever tempurature that would be. Comfortable.

How many pairs of boots/blades to you have ready at any point in time? (Also, I absolutely love how you’ve spray painted the heels on your Pianos.)

Thanks! It's actually nail polish. Way easier than spray paint.

I always have two pairs just in case anything happens.

Mirai,

Thank you for doing this AMA and representing the US in the Olympics.

At what point did you know that you wanted to be an Olympic athlete?

Who is the Olympic athlete that you were most star struck when you met in person?

Thanks for having me!

As a little girl I watched skaters like Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan and wanted to be just like them. However, I didn't have a definitive moment where I decided I wanted to be an Olympic athlete. I've just always wanted to the best and I think becoming an Olympic athlete was a part of that goal.

Every time that I see Michelle Kwan, I'm awe struck because she is the epitome of a role model. She's always so nice to everyone and the way she conducts herself is something I truly admire.

Have you watched Yuri on Ice? If so, what did you think of the skate routines?

If you (or anyone else) haven't watched it, I'm linking to a video with two of the routines below. If you love ice skating, it's worth a watch.

https://vimeo.com/188403329

Thanks, I'll check it out!

There is a guy here in Norway that has a tv show about driving to the olympics except that he doesn't have a license so he got to ask random people to drive his car to SK. Would you watch that?

Yes, is it on Netflix?

We love your Miss Saigon free skate and your dogs!

Have you seen Miss Saigon on Broadway yet?

What has been the hardest part of getting your triple axel consistent?

As an avid Drag Race fan, what is your favorite season and favorite lipsync?

What is your favorite musical?

Is Michelle Kwan as magical as she appears to be?

I just recently saw Miss Saigon on Broadway and it was amazing!

I've had all of my jumps for almost ten years now, so I've had time to get a feel for them. The triple axel is still a new jump for me, so it's been a little more challenging to conquer.

My favorite season of Drag Race is season 5 because I love all of the queens' personalities, but favorite lip sync has to be season 9 Shea Coulee vs. Sasha Velour singing, "So Emotional" by Whitney Houston. The rose petals were everything.

Any chance we’ll get the name of the restaurant to try some delicious sushi?

Restaurant Kiyosuzu in Arcadia, CA. Be kind to my mom, her English isn't the best but that's how you know you're getting authentic sushi.

We love Kiyosuzu (Pasadena represent) - best neighborhood Japanese restaurant and have been going for 10+ years. Everyone there is so very proud of you!

Like!

What’s your most and least favorite jump, and what’s your least favorite move (rockers, brackets, counters, chocktaws)?

My favorite jump is my double axel and my least favorite jump is definitely my triple salchow. Favorite move would have to be counter clockwise twizzles!

What's the process of choosing your music? Are you the one behind it, is it Tom Z., or Jeffrey? Also, how long have you been working on that Triple Axel? (Also, congrats on NHK! Slay at Nationals and PyeongChang! Love the Saigon free skate!)

I've been working on the triple axel for a long time, especially during the summer when we don't have to focus so much on working on programs. This summer was an extremely good summer for me!

Choosing music is a team effort. Jeff has to feel like he can create something special for me and I have to feel like I can listen to it everyday and perform it to the best of my ability. Tom also makes sure that it's music that the audience and the judges can relate to and will love.

Do you think there will be a point in ladies skating where quads or triple axels will be a normal thing? I ask because of the crazy technical evolution in men's skating these past four years.

Yes absolutely!

Ooh nice Deathly Hallows pajamas, what's your house?

Gryffindor

What song would you choose for a Last Chance Lipsync?

Listen by Beyonce

Hey Mirai! Big fan of you these past few years, I watched you skate in person at Skate Canada GP last season! Thanks for doing this AMA! I have 2 questions for you.

I saw on USADA.org that you were one of the most tested figure skaters this year, do you think they saw videos of your 3A on social media? I hope you get +GOE on it soon ;D

Also this season has been pretty injury plagued for a lot of skaters due to a variety of reasons, how do you personally, as a skater who has been on the senior circuit for a long time, ward off injuries?

I didn't even know that you could see how many times I was tested but yes, USADA can come test me to makes sure I compete clean at any time. Although it's sometimes inconvenient, I am open to testing at any time since I make sure I compete clean.

I make sure I get enough sleep in order to recover adequately and when going for difficult jumps, I'm not embarrassed to put in my butt pads. Safety first!

hi mirai! i'm seeing miss saigon tonight and i'll be thinking of you! how is lexi? how the hell do you even own that many dogs and maintain your schedule? i have one puppy and i've missed the gym for a week.

You're going to have a great time!

Lexi is doing great! Three dogs is definitely a lot but it was hard to say no when I knew they needed a home.

The puppy stage is probably the hardest since you have to potty train them and you have to let them out more often. Word of advice, puppies go through a serious chewing stage. I always have bones lying around so that they have something to chew on and don't chew something you don't want them to. Soup bones from the supermarket are great for them.

hi mirai!!! i've been a fan of your personality, your work ethic, and drive for success since your junior days! you're a big inspiration to me!

question: what do you see yourself doing/getting involved with after you finish your skating career? has any class at your college open you up to a new possible career path in the future?

Thank you!

I'm going for a degree in international business and I'm hoping that my background in Japanese can open up some opportunities there.

I'd seriously like to know how you manage your skating time with other things in your life like school and such?

Coffee. You're welcome.

So excited for Figure Skating! Can you tell me what goes into the process or decision making for choosing your costumes? Good luck. We are routing for you!

A quick sketch and I talk to my dress maker about the concept I'm going for. Then bang, there's a dress at my door.

Who was your favorite figure skater when you were a kid?

Michelle Kwan. Her parents owned a restaurant and so did mine. Of course, I wanted to be an amazing skater as well.

What's your most memorable competition experience?

Vancouver Olympics! It's more than just competing. The Olympics are so much more and it's so exciting!

What’s the worst thing about being an elite child athlete?

Making tons of mistakes in the public eye.

What is the name of your parents' sushi restaurant? I would love to -roll- on by for a visit!

Restaurant Kiyosuzu! Make sure you send me a post! I'd love to see photos!

I'm a sports psychologist who works primarily with professional baseball players. Would you be willing to shed some insight into your mental preparation techniques as a figure skater?

I also work with a sports psychologist because I get really nervous before I compete. I find that focusing on my breathing really helps since I sometimes forget to when I feel so much adrenaline!

Do you speak to your parents in Japanese or English?

It's a mix. When I don't know the word in japanese, I just substitute it with English.

Do you take your doggo with you to events or does your doggo stay with a sitter?

I wish I could, but can't fit the husky in my luggage unfortunately. They stay at the dog hotel!

Since you've started skating, how has your training evolved over time? Have you used any new techniques, or recovery methods?

What is your favorite kind of sushi?

Do you have any plans after skating?

Were is your favorite place to skate/visit?

Thanks for answering!

Yes. I used to skate at 6 am but I don't think my body could handle triple axels that early anymore.

I like all types of sushi.

After skating, I want to sit on the beach with a Mai tai.

I love Japan. It definitely helps that I can speak the language as well.

How do you feel about no NHL players being involved in the men's hockey tournament this year?

Sad

I've been figure skating for close to 10 years now and I've gone through several rough patches that have made me want to quit skating all together. Have you ever gone through through something like this and what advice would you give to someone going through this as well?

Yeah absolutely! Not making the 2014 team was one of those moments for me.

I think about if quitting is something I truly want or it's a temporary feeling. I still love training even though I hate falling.

I know you travel a lot, but do you get to see most places that you compete in? If so, what has been some of the most memorable places? Thanks.

I got to go into the White house and shake Obama's hand. Wow, right.

What is the very best dessert?

Cheesecake

How do you feel about Surya Bonaly's backflip?

Jealous

Do you plan to continue competing after this season?

Yes

Hello Mirai! My daughter would like to ask you what one piece of advice you would have for her to be just like you when she grows up (she's five and she's been skating for a year now)? Also, she's hoping that she can watch you on TV in PyeongChang!

As cliche as it is, as long as you keep loving the sport and believing in yourself, you're going to be golden!

I'm at a sushi place right now. What is your favorite sushi?

Blue fin tuna

How are you managing the holidays given that Nationals is so early this year???

Singing Christmas carols in the car!

Hi Mirai! Will you be going for 2 3Axels (one in combo obviously) in your Long Program? Rooting for you all the way! xo ♥

One for now. One step at a time :)

Can I do an AMA for the dog please?

Great idea. Let's make it happen.

What is your favourite program that you have skated so far? And also, with the amount of musical theatre karaoke sessions in your instagram stories, what is your favourite musical? :D

I love Broadway. I think Wicked and the Lion King are two of my favorites. Also, Miss Saigon was amazing. I just love them all.

I love Miss Saigon and I also loved skating to Pirates of the Caribbean.

I really want to get back into figure skating at 19 years old; what is the best way to do so, and what times do you consider the rink to be near empty?

Skating is for all ages. Show up and give it a go. I'd say that during the day when everyone is at school is when the rink is at its emptiest.

Is there a story behind your setup for the 3A?

Get it done!

Hi Marai! Do you have a certain boot that you like? Harlicks are so sturdy, but they are so heavy and it's hard to point the foot. Any advice on choosing the right equipment and taking care of your feet (especially when breaking in your boots)? And best wishes during the the Olympic games in PyeongChang!!!!

Right now, I wear Edeas and I love how light they are!

I have flat feet and find that the Edeas fit me really well.

I take a lot of baths in order to relax my sore muscles. Baths are great with 2 cups of epsom salts!

好きな運動と嫌いな運動は？

Rinku de suberu no ga daisuki desu!

jimu de cardio suru no wa nigatedesu!

Who are your favourite skaters to watch right now? What do you love most about the sport?

I really like Aliona Savchenko and Bruno Massot's long program with the infinity arms everywhere. It is so cool!

Do you ever visit Japan with your family?

Best of luck with the Olympics.

My parents spend a lot of time working at the restaurant, so I've only gone to Japan with both of my parents once, but I remember it fondly.

Hi Mirai! What are your dogs' favorite treats?

They eat everything. I wish I could insert a laughing emoji here.

Thoughts on Kim Yu-Na? Do you think she deserved a gold at Sochi?

She's an amazing skater!

Hey Mirai! You're my top pick for the Olympic team; can't wait to see you in PyeongChang!

You've talked about wanting to push your technical boundaries. With the triple axel looking better and better at each competition, will we see a quad Sal/Toe attempt at some point?

Kind of related - are you more comfortable with toe or edge jumps?

Toe jumps.

If I can compete with the pole harness when I go for the quad, I'll consider it.

Did you start figure skating on your own? Did your parents ever put pressure on you to do well?

My parents wanted me to be a golfer but they took me to the rink one day and I asked to be taken to the rink all the time.

Yes, my parents put pressure on me to do well, but I would equate it to expecting a kid to get good grades in school. (I like to think that I did both)

Hello! Also a Japanese bilingual here.

I wanted to ask a bit of an unconventional question. I really love your name "Mirai" as it sounds so fresh and Gen Z! Were your parents looking for something unique/current when they thought of it rather than the likes of other names like Mari, Haruna, Kana, etc?

I'm sorry it's a boring question.

Thanks!

I think they really liked the meaning of my name, Mirai.

Also my middle name is Aileen which is usually spelled Eileen but I think they spelled it with the A since Ai means love in Japanese.

You're name means "Future" correct? Do you use that as a little jab at competition when you win? By saying things like "I am the future!"

Because if not, you should!

I'll take that advice! haha

What would Brian Boitano do?

Cook

What Harry Potter house?

Gryffindor!

Hi Mirai. What was the moment you realized you could become an Olympian?

I believe.

I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way but being an Asian American, do you get dirty looks from asian athletes that represent their home country? Like a, "why are you not with your people" type of thing.

No, I consider myself an Asian American. Growing up in the American school system, I have more knowledge on US history than of any Asian culture. As far as the potential dirty looks from others, I'm proud to represent the USA and there isn't anything they can do about it!

Have you ever watched Yuri on Ice?

Not yet but I will when I get the chance!

What do you think of Patrick Chan?

Great guy. Great sense of humor.

What's your training regimen like?

Work work work.

I usually skate morning through mid-afternoon with breaks in between and then am at the gym from 4:30-6:00 pm.

Do you remember going to Kodomo no Ie? When I used to go, I remember how Enchou Sensei would talk about you and she was really proud of you:))

Yes! I still get a Christmas card every year. It was so much fun!

Ahh thanks for doing this!!!! I’m so excited for the Olympics!

What are some songs on your pump up playlist?

Good luck this year!!!

Waka Waka by Shakira!

What are your thoughts on the documentary, Icarus? The film highlights Russian stated sponsored doping and I'm curious how you feel about having to compete with athletes that have been using performance enhancing drugs for most of the careers.

I just watched it and would definitely recommend seeing it if you haven't already. I think it's insane that what started off as a documentary to see how doping could help an athlete ultimately ended in Rodchenkov in the Witness Protection Program. I also cannot wrap my head around the fact that there was such an elaborate plan at the Sochi Olympics and that they were able to pull it off.

At the end of the day, my responsibility is to myself and I can only control what I'm ingesting.

What advice do you have for moms whose daughters want to be in figure skating? Any type of predatory behaviors to watch out for?

Be supportive but not overwhelming!!!!

Seen as you're wearing Deathly Hallows sweatpants: which is your favourite HP book, and who's your favourite character?

(Edited for grammar)

I really liked the way Luna was portrayed in the movies. She was really likable even though she seemed loony in the books. Also how can you not like Hermione.

I liked all of them but I think I would say the Prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite.

Some of the recent changes to gymnastics scoring have really changed the make up of top level gymnastic teams and resulted in more physically demanding and technically difficult programs. Do you feel that recent or future changes to skating scores will have a similar impact on skating?

I believe that sports are always evolving. I bet the skating in the future is something I'll look at and not even be able to contemplate.

Do you ever feel like being an Olympian at such a young age affected you negatively?

Maybe but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Hi Mirai! Fingers crossed for you- love your programs this season.

Do you think that figure skating is suffering in the US? It seems like there's a lot less dominance for US women internationally than in the past. How do you think this can be corrected?

No, there are so many talented girls! Because there's so much talent it's hard for one girl to stay at the top for a long time.

favorite disney movie?

Moana. I love Disney though. I had an annual pass to Disneyland for a year!

Hi!! What’s your favorite show to binge on Netflix?

Once upon a time!

Mirai, When did you start learning japanese? What do you think the most difficult part of learning the language is? *Also, do you like japanese rock music?

Japanese is my first language although it's not my primary language.

The kanji is so hard to memorize. Why are there so many of them!?

I was really into Greeeeeeeen. I don't know that they'd be considered rock though.

What does your hand writing look like? Would you be kind enough to write out a verse of Plain Jane by A$AP Ferg?

Messy.

What's something fun/funny that fans don't know about your coach Tom Z?

He has severe anxiety when he travels.

Hi Mirai! What is the biggest hurdle you've had to overcome to get where you are today?

My own doubts.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Vanilla

Do you have any good stories about Max Aaron?

He's a hard worker!

I'm 15 years old and an overweight transmale. Is there any way I can become a famous figure skater like you?

YES

Ice isn’t a soft surface to land on, when you’re learning or perfecting a new move are you ever worried that a slight mess up could injure yourself permanently, what steps are taken to avoid such things?

Butt pads. Get one of those softer yoga mats and cut it into a pad.

what was your hardest fall while skating?

I fall every day! All the time!

How much beer have you drank in one sitting?

Haha. I'm more of a wine connoisseur

Youre pretty. Whats your favorite ice move?

Thanks! Double axel!

Do the spinning routines ever make you dizzy? I can hardly make it through a merry-go-round without losing my stomach.

Same.

Is there any current or ex figure skater you look up to?

Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano. I really admire how they are constantly giving back to the community. Also, they are both Olympic champions!

What's your daily/weekly training schedule look like? How many hours a week would you say you train?

3 hours on the ice

Do you feel like tech callers are unfairly harder on under-rotations as opposed to pre-rotations?

Yes and no

do you have any downtime when training for figureskating? Like is it skating all-year round

Yes, I skate all year round but I love it. I also enjoy skiing when I have some free time.

How do you get over fear of failure?

Failure is inevitable at some point. I'm more afraid of not going for things.

What physical qualities are needed to become a figure skater?

Great calves. They're really a necessity for the jumps.

Did you have a discrimination for your obviously foreign name and appearance?

I'm proud of being Japanese American and wouldn't change my name or appearance.

Last winter Olympics I heard the camp all the athletes were at was a big ass orgy. How is it this year? Who are the horniest mofos from what u could tell?

I'll let you know!

Did anyone ever try to break your kneecaps?

No, not yet and hopefully never.

how the fuck are you able to see anything?

With my albeit small but functioning eyes.

Do your parents run a quality sushi restaurant, or is it a place for California rolls, and sake bombs?

How often do you take out the garbage?

High quality. I don't know if there are sake bombs, but there's definitely alcohol. There are also California rolls but they're delicious.

The trash guy comes once a week.