10 Facts About Emi Watanabe

1.

Emi Kathleen Watanabe is a Japanese former competitive figure skater who is the 1979 World bronze medalist and an eight-time Japanese national champion.

2.

Emi Watanabe was the first skater to medal for Japan in ladies' singles at the World Championships.

3.

Emi Watanabe graduated from Golden Valley High School in Minnesota.

4.

Emi Watanabe then made her World Championship debut, finishing 17th.

5.

Emi Watanabe was assigned to the 1976 Winter Olympics and finished 13th.

6.

Emi Watanabe was 17th in her final event of the season, the 1976 World Championships.

7.

Emi Watanabe broke into the World top ten at the 1978 World Championships, placing 8th.

8.

Emi Watanabe ended her competitive career at the 1980 World Championships, where she placed 4th.

9.

Emi Watanabe continues to run figure skating camps in Japan and currently hosts a podcast on TBS radio.

10.

Emi Watanabe ran for The House of Councilors election in 2001 from Liberal League, but lost.