World Championships - Japan's Midori Ito was inducted into world figure skating's Hall of Fame and then confessed she would not stand a chance against today's skaters.

More Stories

• Shen and Zhao victorious

"The level has improved so much and the rules are different now," the 37-year-old told Reuters. "I don't think I'd have much hope of winning today."

Ito became the first woman to land a triple axel in competition in 1988 and famously made an emotional apology to Japan after failing to win gold at the 1992 Winter Olympics.

She took silver behind Japanese-American Kristi Yamaguchi in Albertville.

Shizuka Arakawa's gold medal at last year's Turin Olympics sparked a renewed surge in interest for figure skating in Japan with Mao Asada and Miki Ando at the vanguard of the new order.

American Frank Carroll was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements in coaching. Figure skating's Hall of Fame was established in 1976.