Yuichi AKASAKA

Yuichi Akasaka was a long time member of the Japanese relay squad. Between 1983 and 1994, he won five World Championship medals with them, as well as an Olympic bronze. In 1985, 1992 and 1994, the Japanese relayers captured the gold medal at the World Championships, adding bronze in 1983 and 1986. Akasaka competed in the demonstration short-track events at the 1988 Calgary Olympics, but without notable performances. In 1992 and 1994, he only skated the relay events, placing 3rd (1992) and 5th (1994). His best individual result came in 1990, when he finished second in the World Championships behind Lee Jun-Ho. Akasaka later worked as a television commentator.