At least, her Russian coach Tatiana Tarasova believes so, after Asada lost her title to fellow 18-year-old Kim at the world championships in Los Angeles at the weekend.

“The coach has told me that your performance changes a little when you fall in love,” Asada told reporters here on Wednesday, according to the Nikkan Sports daily. “I thought to myself, 'Is that so?'”

Asked if she will fall in love before the Olympics, she replied with a giggle: “Hmm... Although the coach says it is necessary for expressiveness, I am just wondering if it is.”