The 2016 figure skating season is underway, with U.S. championships having already passed, and the 2016 World Championships coming in March. While most figure skating fans are reliving performances, making guesses about upgrades, and creating the ultimate fantasy bracket.
Some fans however are specifically imagining what's going on between top skaters and fellow Toronot Club training members, Yuzuru Hanyu and Javier Fernandez.
In short, if you've ever seen Yuzuvier trending, here's why.
Though one can't be certain when the ship started (because of the general internet rule), it is likely that it started around 2012, when both Hanyu and Fernandez began training under Brian Orser at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling club. The explosion of support for the pair (the shipping), the documenting of every intimate moment between the two skaters however is probably due to them actually being close friends.
According to one fan's forum post on One Hallyu, when Hanyu finished second at the 2015 world championships, Fernandez offered much comfort to Hanyu. Hanyu allegedly cried on the podium to which Fernandez replied, "I won this time but in my heart you will always be the champion."
As expected, the ship has now fully taken off, with Yuzuvier being a searchable pairing on Tumblr and the infamous fanfiction website Archive of Our Own. Whether it's just appreciation of their real friendship or imaginings of more, it's clear that there's much love for Yuzuru and Javier.
If you're looking to join the ship, here's a fan video that compiled footage of the two skaters showing their closeness during competitions and training.
For those fans who have long been on the Yuzuvier ship, both of the skaters have been competing away from each other since last year's Grand Prix Final. Fernandez recently won European Championships while Hanyu won Japan's National Championships in December. They will likely come back together to train for the 2016 World Championships which will take place in Boston, Massachusetts on March 28.
