Arakawa turns professional | 日本のニュースを英語で読むならジャパンタイムズウィークリー


	UPDATE: Saturday, June 12, 2010 The Japan Times Weekly 2006年5月13日号（バックナンバー）

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Arakawa turns professional

Turin Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa said May 7 that she will turn professional to perform in ice shows, leaving the hectic world of international competition behind in favor of her true calling.

Shizuka Arakawa at a media conference in Yokohama on May 7

"It will make me happy to skate in ice shows. I want to show people the greatness of skating. This is my dream," Arakawa said at a news conference at a Yokohama hotel.

The 24-year-old Arakawa said she will not only perform in Japan but in the United States, where many former Olympic and world champions appear in such ice shows as the Champions on Ice events.

"By performing in ice shows, I would like to repay my debt of gratitude to the world of figure skating," said Arakawa. "I'm glad that I can end my career feeling satisfied. I'm not leaving any regrets as I embark on a new road."

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