Vancouver Olympics

Feb. 12-28, 2010

• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: The 2008 world champion is back on course for a showdown with longtime rival Kim Yu-na after landing two triple axels on the way to the Four Continents title. ... Had struggled with consistency since winning the Grand Prix final in December '08, failing to win another major international event until Four Continents. ... Fourth at world championships after a sloppy free skate. ... Won the silver medal at this year's Trophee Eric Bompard, but was more than 30 points behind Kim. ... Secured her spot in Vancouver by winning fourth Japanese title in December. ... Silver medalist at '07 worlds. ... Hugely popular in her home country, Asada left to train in the United States in August 2006 to escape the pressure of the Japanese media and the overcrowding of Japanese rinks, but returned to Japan in 2008. ... At the Grand Prix final in December '08, became the first female skater to land two triple axels in the same program. ... Would have been a medal favorite at the Turin Games _ she won the Grand Prix final that year _ but was too young to compete. ... Older sister Mai is also an elite figure skater. ... Has three miniature poodles, Aero, Tiara and Komachi. Aero has been featured in a commercial with Asada.
• PREVIOUS OLYMPICS: None