Turin Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa, who recently decided to turn professional, said Saturday she hopes the Japan Skating Federation will build a more transparent organization for the sake of its skaters.
Arakawa made the comments while attending a congratulatory banquet for her achievement at a Tokyo hotel, referring to a scandal in which its former president Katsuichiro Hisanaga allegedly embezzled the federation's funds for his private use.
"I hope that the JSF can create an environment that skaters can put their trust in," said Arakawa. "The people running the federation need to look forward and restructure the system."