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In her early career Kyoko competed in both ladies singles and pairs, competing for Japan (she has dual citizenship) in the Junior ranks. As a singles competitor Kyoko's best finish was 5th place at US Nationals. Kyoko partnered Jason Dungjen between 1991 and 1998, during which time they were two time National Champions and finished 4th at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan. The 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City marked Kyoko's 3rd time as an Olympic competitor.
Off ice, Kyko's pursuits are also athletic. She enjoys jet skiing, horseback riding, tennis and auto racing. Future goals include television commentary. Kyoko currently lives in New Jersey with her two dogs and two cats.
It was while training in Hackensack that John started training alongside Olympic Gold medallist Artur Dimitriev. John credits Artur as being the skater he most admires, and was excited to have some of his choreography done by Artur. John had shoulder surgery in 2000 for a nagging injury and recovered fully in time for the 2001 season.
Of ice John enjoys spending time outdoors and sports such as rock climbing, mountain biking, soccer and roller blading. At one time John competed seriously in baseball as well as skating, but he gave up baseball to pursue his competitive skating ambitions. His favorite sport as a spectator is auto racing. Although he is now based in New Jersey, John retains close ties to his hometown of Birmingham, where a bridge near his high school has been named after him. And he is still a loyal fan of the University of Alabama sports teams!
John takes marketing and business classes at Bergen Community College when he can fit them into his schedule. John was married in the summer of 2003 in Rome to his longtime love, Italian skater Silvia Fontana. John also teaches skating clinics around the country with Silvia, and was one of the Stars on Ice cast that taught at clinics during the 2005 tour.
John has also started a modeling career, and can be seen in photo shoots for Barney's and various designers. John and Silvia appeared on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy in 2004, and have made appearances for Am/FAR, amongst other charities. They recently bought a home in New Jersey, which they share with their two cats.
Their competitive eligible career reaped many awards and accolades: 3 US National titles, several Grand Prix medals, and a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships. However, their proudest competitive moment was their 5th place finish at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, performing two electric programs that were both met with standing ovations. Their bronze medal at the World Championships a few weeks later was the first World medal by a US pair since 1998.
Kyoko and John's height differential works to their benefit in their creative trademark moves such as the "candle lift" and" besti squat" spread eagle. Kyoko's flexibility and athleticism coupled with John's theatrical flair creates a dynamism on the ice that thrills audiences around the world.
John and Kyoko turned professional after the 2001/2002 competitive season, and joined the Stars on Ice tour in Winter 2003. As a professional pairs team, they tour the US and Canada for 5 months out of the year, as well as participating in various made for television skating shows and professional competitions. They were featured in an issue of Rolling Stone modeling Capezio clothing, and often participate in Charity functions for the Make A Wish Foundation, among other charities.