On Tuesday, figure skating superstar Yuzuru Hanyu finally confirmed the rumors: After 12 years in the senior circuit he would withdraw from competing and skate as a pro in exhibitions.

Known for his effortless elegance on the ice, Hanyu was the first Japanese athlete to win a gold medal in men's figure skating at the Winter Olympics, a feat he achieved twice in a row.

Here are a few of highlights of his awe-inspiring run.

Yuzuru Hanyu skates at the age 5 in November 2020. | COURTESY OF THE FAMILY OF YUZURU HANYU / VIA KYODO
Yuzuru Hanyu skates at the age 5 in November 2020. | COURTESY OF THE FAMILY OF YUZURU HANYU / VIA KYODO

Hanyu competes at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times
Hanyu competes at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times

Yuzuru Hanyu reacts after hearing his score of 101.45 in the men's figure skating short program at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times
Yuzuru Hanyu reacts after hearing his score of 101.45 in the men's figure skating short program at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times

Hanyu celebrates after winning Japan's first men’s singles figure skating gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times
Hanyu celebrates after winning Japan's first men’s singles figure skating gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times

Hanyu's successful defense of his gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games was the first in the men's competition since American Dick Button in 1952. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times
Hanyu's successful defense of his gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games was the first in the men's competition since American Dick Button in 1952. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times

Hanyu (right) and Shoma Uno celebrate after winning gold and silver in the men’s singles competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times
Hanyu (right) and Shoma Uno celebrate after winning gold and silver in the men’s singles competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times

Fans throw
Fans throw "Winnie the Pooh" toys onto the ice after Hanyu's performance at the 2018 Winter Olympics. | Chang W. Lee / The New York Times

Hanyu performs his free skate during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in February. | Hiroko Masuike / The New York Times
Hanyu performs his free skate during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in February. | Hiroko Masuike / The New York Times

Hanyu performs during the exhibition gala at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. | REUTERS
Hanyu performs during the exhibition gala at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. | REUTERS