#fstranslations

[japaneseadventures]

Marin Honda in Pokapoka 2024.03.11

Marin appeared in this live broadcast to promote the Worlds Figure Skating broadcast which she's a field reporter for.

Some highlights from this broadcast:

Marin talks about the things she wants to try after retirement such as going to the beach, acting, eating as much as she wants.

Talks about the time she once got scouted for inline skating during her first time trying it out in a public rink.

She admires Mao and Shoma for being so strong mentally.

A lot of anecdotes related to skating and her family.

More details about it and other anecdotes under the read more:

Summary:

The best snack Marin has ever eaten is Baskin Robbins ice cream. When her family wants to eat ice cream, they do have some in celebration of someone, even for just golf lessons. (The ice cream would be all gone though by the time their dad even comes home lol) She provided a photo of the ice cream (cake) that she and her family bought for her dad:

Text on the cake: "Papa, Great job in your golf lesson!"

She has many things she wants to try after retiring.

When she was still competing, she usually skated everyday. She only takes a break from skating for about 1-2 days. Even during family trips she usually brought her skating stuff, and they usually look for a rink nearby.

Marin avoided getting sunburnt/tanned during her skating career since it would be obvious when she's wearing costumes. Now she wants to try getting really tanned, so she'd love to go to (somewhere hot like) Okinawa since she's never gone before.

From the moment she started university, Marin was set on retiring once she graduated. (Though she was willing to quit if she really started to hate skating.) However, when she actually did feel like quitting, she realized she can't imagine herself living a life without skating. So she made it a goal to at least continue until her brother graduated and retired from skating.

Q: So there really was a time when it got so difficult that you wanted to quit? A: Yes, I quit and took a 4-day break from skating for the first time ever. But even then, by the 5th day, I just ended up skating training again. I felt like I needed to keep going. Even now, I still love skating and make it my goal to do a performance that the audience would enjoy. During that time off, I realized I liked myself best while skating.

Back when they were kids, Marin had been her sister Miyu's acting partner when Miyu practiced her lines. Thanks to this, she also wants to try her hand at acting.

When she was still competing, Marin avoided eating until she was full. After she announced her retirement, she wanted to Abura Soba (Soupless Ramen Noodles), eat something she felt she'd feel too guilty to eat before then. Since she loves mayonnaise so much that she'd drink it (lol), she added a generous amount of it too. But then she felt guilty eating just that, so she had double the usual amount of onions to the mix lol.

She's had a lot of instances where she'd wonder why people would pick that moment in particular to take photos of. People always posts photos of the weirdest moments. She says many cameramen are old men, so she has an idea of which weird moments they'd most likely take photos of. Such as during jumps and spins, when your face is screwed up due to centrifugal force. Even mucus from a runny nose flies out. She's disappointed when those get chosen but still thankful to them for being interested enough to always take photos lol.

Sometimes while she's skating in a competition, she's tempted to wave at friendly officials and judges who she's attended competitions with since she was little.

When she's not doing well, she can only focus on the competition. However, when she's doing well, she'd end up thinking about how that one person in the audience looks like they're about to go to the restroom soon.

She does jumps in her dreams sometimes, or falling during a jump, and when she wakes up, her legs are crossed like she does when jumping. Says she's heard of many skaters sleeping with their legs crossed. That position is relaxing for them.

Very few kids started skating since they were 2 like she did so she's always felt small since she started skating, as most of the skaters in the rink were taller than Marin.

She's never had much free time hanging out with friends and stuff when she was young, compared to now when she has retired. Back then, skating practice already took too much time. It was also a long commute to and from the rink. She was also taking a lot of other lessons at the time, like ice hockey, swimming, gymnastics, piano, tennis, until she finally decided on skating during 2nd grade.

She suspects that her other siblings also chose to stick with skating because they're a big family. All of them want people to pay attention to them.

When she tried inline skating for the first time at Round1 (An amusement store chain in Japan) a guy tried to scout her for the sport, telling her she's very good. When she told him it was her first time roller skating, he told her she had talent.

Sawabe: You clearly looked like you skated before. Ijuuin: You should've left him hanging for a while, before going, "I've medalled in ice skating though." Sawabe: You never told who you were? Marin: No ?: They were probably wondering who you were the whole time. ?: You should've said, "Don't underestimate me!"

Fighting amongst siblings was somewhat intense. It doesn't happen much now, but Marin and her big brother used to fight on petty things often, while her younger sisters fought amongst each other. When the latter fights, she gets stuck in the middle because both of them fight to get Marin on their side.

Marin and Taichi even went physical against each other at times. They'd even compete in the rink, or chase each other down. It only ends when one of them gets bored of it lol.

Comments from her sisters:

They love how she prioritizes and dotes over them over herself.

Miyu doesn't understand why Marin feels more comfortable when her room is messy. (ex. she likes has 2-3 plastic bottles she hasn't finished drinking in her room) Meanwhile, Miyu likes things neat so she offers to clean up her room. When asked if she keeps drinking from those bottles, she shakes her head and said Miyu gets rid of it for her. Tsurube: Leaving around bottles like that is what you'd imagine how a talented hacker's room would be.

Marin says if things are too orderly, she clams up.

Sara says Marin uses ziplocks as a pencil case.

Marin shares that it's not even just for her writing stuff, but she also uses ziplocks for makeup stuff. She prefers ziplocks since you don't have to think about cleaning it. If it gets dirty, you can just replace it. Also, it's clear so you can see everything inside.

She admits she's pretty weak mentally. In the past, even the littlest happenings completely influence her performances and even her private life. Thanks to all that she's experienced, however, her mentality has gotten stronger now.

Back then, when things don't go well during performances or even practices, she'd feel depressed the whole day. (Though on the other hand, she'd be ecstatic the whole day when practice goes well.)

She feels that pulling yourself together after failing your first jump is harder to do than a flawless performance. This has always been a problem she's had since she was little.

Mentions that in the figure skating community, she thinks that Mao Asada has a strong mentality. It was amazing how she did a perfect performance in the free program even after screwing up in the short during the Sochi Olympics. It really inspired her and made her believe that if she continued training, she might be able to be like her too.

Says Mao is way too out of league for Marin to contact and consult herself. However, Mao often gets in touch with her, often telling her that she loves Marin's skating. Marin describes Mao as a woman who has great skating technique, and a beautiful personality.

Among the currently competing skaters, she believes Shoma Uno is the one who is great at pulling himself together fast. You rarely even see him be nervous in competitions lately. He must have a lot of confidence to not be nervous while performing, so she finds that amazing. Says Shoma told her himself that he doesn't feel nervous at all.

Marin watches Japanese comedians rather than listening to music. It's relaxing for her.

Marin doesn't really wear skirts in her off time. Prefers all black and sleek clothing, in contrast to all the cute skirts she wears during skating

Her dad made her costumes when she was little

Her younger sisters get their hand-me-down clothes and toys, so those two are happy they get to wear nice new clothing when they're working in showbiz

Marin actually wanted a little brother, and made Sara wear their brother's old hand me downs. She also called Sara Ara-kun. Marin's very apologetic about it now though lol

She's bad at any sports with balls. For example, she tried tennis once or twice and quickly realized how little sense she had for it so she quit right away. Says it might be because she assumes her legs have longer reach than what her body actually has, probably because she's so used to wearing skating boots.

Actions she doesn't like from men, selected from the choices the show gave her:

She loves it when they tell her she's funny/interesting, so if something weird happens, she doesn't want them to ignore it lol. For example, she'd hate it if they don't react when she moves weird, or makes jokes.

Doesn't like it when guys keep making sports references and terms in casual conversation.

Doesn't like it when guys wear shoes that are very pointed and curved upwards. Doesn't seem like something just anyone could wear. Must be a very conscious prideful guy. (Lots of JP comedians apparently wear that though lol)

[ivett-toth]

Summary of Ivett's most recent interview

In the following interview Ivett talks about her 3A attempt, injuries next season's programs and how the pandemic has affected her personally. I will summarize the interview in keypoints as I am not versed in the language. This interview was previously posted in our twitter, please check it out!

• Ivett realized after worlds was cancelled that her 3A had a lot of potential, so she started to work on it and add it to her SP.

• She however got an injury on the off-ice practice after, she was extra careful when doing her warmup on stairs because this isn't the first time it happened (reminder that on the Olympic season she broke her foot under the same circumstances) but she hurt her ankle (it seems to have been sprained) and it was very swollen. This happened before the competition. She did the SP on painkillers and WD on the free, as it was the most reasonable option.

• The recovery went by fast and she was very happy to show her free skate at the Santa Claus Cup. She emphasizes that song is close to her heart.

• She didn't add the 3A on the SP, she looked for a more consistent layout back then. Even so, she finished in third place!

• The reason we didn't see her after that was because she got COVID-19. She recalls she didn't feel well at first, and later she decided to take the test which turned out to be positive. She was quarantined for two weeks and couldn't go back on ice for until six weeks later.

• She mentions how hard it was for her as an athlete to stay in bed, but later on repeats how the illness damaged her physical form.

• She switched coaches from Zsófia Tokaji-Kulcsár and Zoltán Tóth to Ivana Reitmayerova, it was a decision she's been considering for a long time, as she hasn't been able to show her desired results under them.

• She started training with Ivanna at the end of January. At the time of the interview they were in a training camp in Bratislava. She's been working on her jumps and fixing common issues.

• She mentions she's aware there's no "miracle coach" who'll fix everything, and that also depends on the athlete.

• She's been feeling more confident than ever, and training and workouts are usually done in a good mood.

• She will keep her SP and is still working on a new free skate.

• She worked on the program with Benoit on three videos and two zoom sessions.

• Her off-ice concern are her biology test results, as she wants to study a related major (physiotherapy) in Semmelweis University.

• Her summer plans are still unknown, as her brother was assigned the COVID-19 intensive care unit, and hasn't seen him for two months. She usually travels with her family during this time.

• Goals for next season are competing at the World Championships and go to the Olympics. But her most important goal is to show the results of all the hard work she's done.

All the best, Ivett!

[chocktaw-salchow]

TRANSLATION: Julianne Séguin - The Split

This is a translation of an article Julianne Séguin wrote for Radio-Canada’s Podium

Figure skater Julianne Séguin took the separation from her partner Charlie Bilodeau five months after the Olympics hard. “A shock. A hit from a shovel to the head.”

Written by Julianne Séguin, figure skater, finished in 9th place in pairs at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games with Charlie Bilodeau.

“I won’t beat around the bush. You and me, we’re done”

I dropped my coffee. I froze, A shock.  A hit from a shovel to the head.  I would like to find a nicer way to explain it, but that is exactly how I feel.

It was July 14th, 2018.  I felt that things had been brewing for several days.  We have had our share of difficult moments, but I would have never thought that he would want to separate.  Especially after all of the hardships that we have overcome.  Especially after the results that we have gotten.

In the year leading up to the Pyeongchang Olympic Games, Charlie had a knee operation in June and I suffered three concussions.  I had symptoms up until December.  The Olympics were in February.

For almost a year, our training was shortened and I skated without being completely in control of my skills. Despite all of these pitfalls, we took second place at the Canadian National Championships, behind Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford. That was already a feat.

Against all odds, we finished in the top 10 at our first Olympic Games. I was only 22 years old.

The media and the fans started talking about the Games in Beijing already.  And worse, we too had started to as well.  We started to talk about the next Olympic cycle, to think about our next programs. There were lots of changes to make, but I never realized that he wanted it to end.  Maybe I should have known.

So, do I understand Charlie’s decision? The answer is no.

Our programs were done and he would have had many chances to tell me earlier.  I understand the timing he chose even less.

Am I mad at Charlie? Not at all.  Just disappointed.  I am not saying it would have been easy.  We would have had to work extremely hard.  Would we have gotten there? I don’t know; I don’t think that it was impossible.

Since then people have asked me what was the real reason for our split.  The truth is that I actually have no idea.  It was totally unexpected for me.  I can give you a list of things that were wrong but in my eyes none of them were insurmountable.

I don’t think we had hit the bottom of the barrel.  On the contrary.  I thought that it was just a difficult period.  The Olympics are extremely demanding. And our pre-Olympic year was even more so.

I saw him again at the end of the summer, but his answers did not convince me.

When it came out in the media, I felt the need to hide.  I would be lying to you if I said that it was easy.  It hurt me.  And at the time, I didn’t want to share that with the world.  I needed to take a step back, to come to terms with what had happened.  I needed a break.

For three months, I did not skate.  I did not want to anymore.  Then, all of a sudden, I felt the need to put on my skates.  For only a couple of weeks now, I’ve felt good.  At peace even.

I am now ready to turn the page.  Slowly but surely.

_______________________________________________________________________

Although I started skating at the age of 5, it was only around 12 or 13 years old where I understood that I had real potential.  At 16 years old, I met Charlie.  We started to skate pairs together.  But to be honest, my ambitions were not very big.  In our second year together we quickly started to have success.

In 2014, we took silver at both the Canadian Junior Championships and the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final.  I understood that I had to make a choice and I stopped skating as an individual.

There are tons of young skaters with potential.  But a rise as swift as Charlie and I had, I think that is more rare.

All our hopes were coming true, until the pre-Olympic year.

In January 2017, I sustained my first concussion. A blow to the head.  I had to stop skating for a month.  A few months later, during a show, we did a easy move, but in the spotlights I lost my bearings.  I hit my head on the ice.

Finally, I fell during a lift.  I knew immediately that something was wrong.  I immediately felt like I had left my body.  It is difficult to explain the feeling.

I had never had a concussion before even though it is fairly common in my sport.  And then, I had three in a couple months.  Unlucky you say?

It was hard.  It’s not like a twisted ankles.  It’s blue, it’s swollen, you are able to play with your limitations.  A concussion is treacherous.  It is a thin line between being ready and playing with fire.

It is totally unpredictable.  I would wake up one morning and because of fatigue or overtraining, I would be horribly nauseated.  The next day, I would feel fine.  

I knew that the goal was to skate in the Olympic games.  As the months went by the situation became more difficult to manage.  In August, I thought that it would not work out. I could not do it.  Honestly, I didn’t believe any longer.

I never had the impression that Charlie let me down.  I more had the impression that I was the one who let him down, more than once.  I wanted to heal.  I wanted to skate, but I couldn’t.  During that time, Charlie waited.  That was what ate at me.  I never wanted to ruin his dream, mine and that of our team.  I was being patient, telling myself that it would be better, at a moment you panic.

And Charlie was there. Always. He was a golden partner.  He supported me from start to finish and reassured me when I needed it.

Then something clicked into place in my head.  It can’t be that we worked this hard and had so many good results and in the end it amount to nothing.  I decided to go all in.  What happens, happens.

I took risks that I never would have taken if it had not been a pre-Olympic year. I remember a competition in Moscow in November 2017.  My vision was blurry.  I had a hard time reading the dose on my medicine bottle.  When we were on the ice with all the lights and the white ice, I was dizzy and nauseous.  I don’t know how I managed to skate, but I did.

_______________________________________________________________________

I had my first concussion in January and my last symptoms in December. Eleven months of doubts, fears, questioning.  We arrived in Pyeongchang in good health but I will not hide the fact that I was not at the top of my game.

So, were we expecting to finish in 9th place at the Olympics? Yes and no.

Before the short program, we just wanted to do our best.  The pressure was enormous to give a performance that lived up to our expectations.  We had never been in this situation before, but we are both competitors at heart.  Before the free skate, we set ourselves a goal of getting in the top 10.  And we achieved it, at our first Olympic Games, even if we had a difficult year.

In all truth, the Olympics were not easy, despite the unexpected result.  Training did not go as well as we would have liked.   We arrived early, we skated every day and we had to maintain our physical condition for two weeks to wait to peak the day of the competition.

The reality was that we were exhausted and winded when our D-Day arrived. Our way of handling the situation might have been a trigger [for the split]. What happened? Should we still stay together? Do we want to continue with the same team? It was a lot of questioning…

We had a lot to discuss after the Olympics.  Our game plan was was clear. I think that he would have liked the changes to have happened instantaneously. The sport evolves very fast and there is not a second to lose. But at the same time, it is impossible to take shortcuts.

I sensed that the pressure was rising and the situation was not optimal in training.  That was what was difficult.  I know that I was not in the best shape of my life.  I thought about it a lot.  And Charlie too.  He told me so.

Figure skating can be a difficult sport, especially for women.  There is not much room to maneuver.  You must be fit. You must watch your weight.  You must always be well dressed, well made up.  You must always be at your best.

When you are injured, when you can’t train, you cannot make miracles!

The relationship with the body is not always easy.  But as you get older, you learn to take and to leave.  It is a journey that you make with yourself.  At the beginning you are intimidated by the silhouettes of certain skaters, but when you learn about the history hiding behind it, you put things into perspective pretty quickly.

I am proud to have reached this level while keeping a healthy lifestyle.  Which, we can say, is not the norm in this sport…

I know that Charlie said that he had the impression that we had peaked.  I did not view it like that.  I was very injured and the situation did not allow me to improve.  We managed to maintain a certain quality of skating but we never reached the necessary level to join Meagan and Eric.

I do not feel like we did everything we could to see if this could work before throwing in the towel.

Despite this end that cuts, we have had extraordinary moments together.  I am an Olympian. And no one can take that away from me.

In fact, that is the hardest part.

I must succeed in turning the page, but without erasing the past.

_______________________________________________________________________

I asked myself if I am even made for that anymore.  Why do I skate? What does it bring me? I questioned myself at length.  I didn’t want to skate anymore.  And then, I decided to give myself a chance.  I decided to get back in shape, to finally be the best that I can be.  Only then can I make an informed decision.

I started training again a couple weeks ago, mostly at Les 4 Glaces in Bronssard.  It is a neutral location and I feel good there.  There are not really any international level skaters there, but to see the young skaters helps me keep the fire.

I have had contact with certain skaters, but I told them that I am not ready.  My goal is to start to have tryouts in January, but I am giving myself until March to be the best version of myself.  Then I will be able to make decisions.

Even if I am in excellent shape, even if I am an Olympic athlete, there are no guarantees.  Skaters at the caliber of Charlie are not a dime a dozen.  I see a few potential candidates in the country at the moment.  Nothing more.

I know that I have not reached my full potential.  As I am a very competitive girl, I want to prove that I am capable of being the best.  That is my principal source of motivation.

The goal remains the same.  I am ready to go further, to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games.

Will it happen?  Time will tell.

At least I will have tried everything.

[wherespacepooh]

Tracy Wilson Interview |  Y.H. 2018-19 Media Day Archive

Tracy Wilson’s media day interview, transcribed and published in Figure Skating Team Japan Fan Book. Potentially to be supplemented with other magazines’ transcriptions if new materials/ different reads come up. Tracy’s take on new season challenges, Yuzuru’s goals, his mindset and his ongoing quest to improve and improve.

Please do not repost without permission. Image belongs to Figure Skating Team Japan Fan Book and original text belong to respective publishers.

— How is Hanyu's condition at the moment?

What I feel, is that he's come to understand what he himself wants to do. Mainly in the technical aspect. And my role is to aid him so that we find the spots where he can exert force. The balance on his blades and so forth. In order to stabilize the technical aspect. 

— How is the condition of his right ankle that's been injured?

As far as I've seen, I felt that the injury has not affected his performance nor created limits. Looking at the quality of his jumps, what he chooses to jump, you can see that. There were no bad symptoms to be found in his skating. So I feel it's 100%. 

— Is there any impact on Hanyu due to the rule changes this season?

I'm not sensing any in particular. Because Yuzuru has no weaknesses (laughs). I think the widening range of GOE into -5 to +5 is to his advantage. The elements he performs, even up until now — there are ones that have reached levels even beyond that. But due to the limited range in evaluation, it had also been hard to make a difference. From my point of view, this GOE rule change is advantageous to him.

— Hanyu's aim being to jump the Quad Axel, how do you feel about his current condition?

He's training it. What's interesting about being Yuzuru's coach is that things that you thought, "Is that even possible?", sometimes, it suddenly becomes possible. It's very interesting to watch the way he trains. The genius creativity that he possesses is brought into good use not only in skating but also in technical challenges. He's also hard at work tackling the Quad Axel, so I would like to watch over that process. 

— You can feel Plushenko's energy in the step sequence of his free program ("Origin"), but at the same time, it's also exceedingly Hanyu-esque. What are your thoughts watching his step sequence this year?

I think this step sequence really shows what he's made of. To have such energy after jumping. He has the ability to use his edges well and perform difficult turns, and moreover, to perform marvelously while harmonizing with music. And that's the reason his step sequence becomes something unpredictable. Aritistically, and also technically. He's very emotional, always thinking to do something new. He almost never repeats the same thing. His creativity as an artist makes that possible. But, you can't do that with jumps. With jumps, it's necessary to jump and land precisely.  On the other hand, with the step sequence, you can play with many things. 

— What are especially difficult parts in the free program this time?

The program is to be refined and settled down in the stages hereafter, so we don't know yet. But, I feel he is able to do the Quad Loop quite easily and consistently. Back then, it was like, the Salchow and the Toe Loop were stable, but the Loop he's only started doing not so long ago (t/n 2016-7 season), and the Lutz was the last. How to maintain energy throughout the program, how to maintain the balance between the technical aspect and artistry — those are the points I'm always paying attention to. On top of that, how much space to play can we create? That there, with the changes in the rules this time, is perhaps going to be the biggest task at hand for Yuzuru. The reason is that, due to the performance duration being cut short (from 4m30 to 4m), the amount of time available for him to properly display his artistry, which is yet another strength of his, has gone down. 

— Hanyu was saying, "Having been released from the pressure and feeling responsible of bringing results, I'm able to enjoy myself while challenging new grounds." Especially in terms of mentality, how do you see his changes?

I think he had been taking on the challenge of stretching his scores on the technical side. We felt that he had no need to add more quads, but he himself was not satisfied with that. He was aiming farther and farther. With the risk that accompanies. In order to grow the scores, he never chose the easy route. He was taking on that extremely seriously. There is no athlete with ability and talent like his, that respects the aspect of technique to such an extent. Nor anyone who faces the responsibilities placed upon him with such earnestness. That's probably why he can be at ease now. But, as for how long that's going to continue, I don't know. Because Yuzuru is Yuzuru. Although he's saying "I'm released from pressure" right now, after a few months, he might just go back to how he was. He is someone who constantly aims upward. Anyway, let's enjoy the current while we watch over him.

(mourning the loss of my beloved B.B.Mook and the detailed record that came with it...)

[drag0ness]

Hongbo Zhao: Wenjing Sui/Cong Han Are Not in the Best Condition

With about a week left before the 2019 World Figure Skating Championships, the Chinese National Figure Skating Team that is preparing for battle held a public class at the Shougang Training Centre on Wednesday afternoon. Wenjing Sui/Cong Han and Cheng Peng/Yang Jin, China's pairs entries for Worlds, participated in the public class.

During the class, Sui/Han's performance was not so good, Wenjing Sui in particular had a lot of difficulty with her solo jumps. Chinese National Team's head coach Hongbo Zhao said "Sui/Han are not in the best condition, so we said for the 2nd competition of the season (Worlds), just trying their best in their current form is good enough. Wenjing Sui after the Pyeongchang Olympics had a fracture, rested for 4 months, [her] recovery was not so satisfactory. Cong Han's injuries are also increasing. In terms of the medical and scientific technology available to us, we are doing everything we can to maintain their health, but sometimes you don't always respond to the treatment."

Hongbo Zhao shared, "At Four Continents, Sui/Han's results weren't great, when we got back, we reflected a lot on it and we are aware of all the issues. But in terms of their progress in daily training, including concentration and ability, they are still a bit below expectations. After Wenjing Sui returned from performing in North Korea, she fell the next day in practice and she lost 10 days of training, she only resumed normal training last week. They are really hoping to perform well at Worlds, however they have had a lot of setbacks which disrupted their training, I am also trying to think of solutions to help them manage their emotions, we will try our best for Worlds."

Wenjing Sui and Cong Han are the 2017 World Champions and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics Silver Medalists. Their season so far has not gone smoothly, due to Wenjing Sui's foot surgery they had a very long recovery time. They only appeared internationally for the first time at the Four Continents Championships in early February. However, they won the competition, making people highly anticipate their upcoming participation in the World Championships.

After the open class, Cong Han had an individual interview with the media. He shared "We did not participate in many competitions this season which means there are less opportunities for us to test both our programs. At Four Continents, we found that we needed a lot of improvements with our programs so we made some adjustments, now the program is a lot smoother. Little Sui is working very hard, she has added another training session at night just for practicing her jumps."

"Right I think we are a little short on time, if we had another month then maybe we would be more prepared. But that's okay, this is a sport," said Cong Han.

The other pairs teams headed to the World Championships, Cheng Peng/Yang Jin are the Four Continents Championships Silver Medalists and the Grand Prix Final Silver Medalists.

Also appearing at the public class was Hongyi Chen, who had just returned from the World Junior Figure Skating Championships. She had laready begun preparation for the World Championships and is the sole entry in the Ladies' Singles.

Hongyi Chen has been nervous about her upcoming competitions, she is nicknamed "model worker" by the rest of team. Since Nationals in December, she has participated in Four Continents, Chinese Championships, World Junior Championships and is about to leave for the World Championships.

"After participating in some many competitions, I think I'm not as nervous as I was before," said the 16 year old girl. "Going to the World Championships is going to be a learning experience for me, entering competitions is a bit tiring, but I believe I can overcome it."

The 2019 World Figure Skating Championships will be held from March 18th to March 24th in Japan. The Chinese figure skating team will also include Boyang Jin in the Men's Singles, Shiyue Wang/Xinyu Liu and Hong Chen/Zhuoming Sun (substitute entry) for ice dance.

x

[yumas3lo]

Donovan Carrillo: "I need to worry more about skating and less about money"

New Interview by Proceso, published on August 19, 2018.

Presenting a program with the music by Juan Gabriel in an international skating competition was a double-edged sword for Donovan Carrillo: he became famous, but he was also attacked for it. Under the culture of effort, "always willing to suffer", this 18-year-old is the only opportunity that Mexico has to qualify to the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. However, the lack of support puts his goal at risk. While the Mexican sports authorities turn their backs (they didn't pay attention to him when he asked for a uniform) a Chinese company already has their eyes on him. 

Donovan Carrillo was born with rhythm. As a child he could dance to any kind of music. Juan Gabriel and the Backstreet Boys inspired him to move his body. He could imitate the steps of any choreography. He would dance as well as he could do in gymnastics and diving, disciplines that he practiced from three years until the figure skating crossed his path.

On the ice rink in Guadalajara, a girl captivated him. In order to know her, he asked his parents to enroll him. The girl inspired him. Sliding on solid water made him fall in love forever.

It's been 26 years since the last time a Mexican skater qualified for the Winter Olympics Games. Ricardo Olavarrieta was in Albertville 1992 and in Calgary 1988. Carrillo is the only opportunity that Mexico has to have a representative in Beijing 2022. With 18 years old, the Jalisco skater finished in 22nd place in his first Senior World Championship that took place in Italy and in 2017 he finished in 7th place in the Australian Junior Grand Prix.

Carrillo's Olympic project is a familiar goal. His parents, a couple of P.E. teachers who work from dawn to dusk in public schools, carry debts that will soon be unpayable. His coach, Gregorio Núñez, with whom the skater has worked for almost 11 years, does not charge him for the training hours, which can cost between 150 and 450 MX pesos half an hour. He invests his time and money in the dream of someone who already looks like his own son.

"He is the breakthrough of Mexican figure skating. He is the best nationally speaking. He has achieved very important results, such as being the first Mexican to qualify for a World Championships based on points, which has lots of merit. If he didn't had the shortcomings that he lived, he would have achieved more. The Olympic Games will be the culmination of all the effort he has made", says Gregorio Núñez.

In Mexico there are only two ice rinks of 30m x 60m, which are the official measures of the International Skating Union (ISU): in Monterrey and in CDMX. Donovan Carrillo lives since he was 13 in León, Guanajuato, where Núñez moved when he was hired as a coach on the the Ice Sports Center's rink, which measures are 23m x 50m.

He trains there with a grant, without paying for the use of the facilities, but every time he goes out to an international competition he must adapt his programs to a bigger rink, which complicates his performance. There is no way to consider about training outside of Mexico and without Gregorio Núñez. The investment would be around 5,000 dollars a month.

Carrillo works helping to coach Núñez's group. Collecting every coin to pay for his preparation. At this stage it is vital for him to participate in the largest number of international competitions as possible.

"Every time we see things darker so we can't go out and compete. We organize raffles or breakfasts to pay everything. I started selling diaries with training tips. From there we could pay the flight for Worlds, otherwise I wouldn't have been there. I need support from other people to reach my goals. I have raised my level, but I know can give more. I am willing to work very hard. Not having the institutional support does not mean that I'm going to give up", explains Carrillo. Donovan Carrillo was seven years old the first time he had contact with figure skating. At the end of his gymnastics and diving training, he accompanied his parents to pick up his older sister, who was skating with Gregorio Núñez in a rink from Guadalajara.

He discovered that it was a perfect sport for his personality: it involves jumps with turns of high difficulty, like the ones he already did. It includes dance and corporal expression. He left gymnastics and for a year and he tried diving and skating. By that time, he was studying in the facilities of the Sports Institute of Jalisco.

When he decided to train skating on a full-time basis, he had to switch to a conventional school that was not as generous as the one where athletes study. Since his parents weren't enough to pay for training on ice, he also trained roller speed skating. 

Núñez detected in Donovan the talent for this sport. Thin and with short stature, light but agile and very strong, with a natural charisma that allows him to perform with ease in crowded public spaces. He had and an extraordinary rhythm for dancing, which he polished over the years with ballet and jazz classes.

The first day on the ice rink Donovan faced the challenge of maintaining balance on the blades of his skates, which measure is less than half a centimeter wide. He learned the difficult task of standing up correctly with unsteady feet, then he started walking and then marching. He never was afraid to fall. He wasn't measuring the danger, he was encouraged to jump and spin. The many times he fell were when he got up smiling.

"The day I skated for the first time I felt that I found the place where I belong, where I can express myself and feel free", he recalls. In a matter of a month he learned all the basics: pushing, slide back and forth and make simple jumps. The spins in different positions were his biggest headache. At first he was dizzy. He would get lost in space, and although he felt he was spinning a lot, he actually would make less than two turns. With hours of training and perseverance he managed to master them. Later he began to learn the jumps that amaze the spectators: Salchow, Toe Loop, Loop, Flip, Lutz and Axel, three of them baptized in honor of the first skaters who executed them. Each jump can be done with two to four turns. He knew how enter the jumps with the blades, to break the rotation and then slide the whole sole of the foot at the exact moment to avoid falls. A jump in the air lasts less than half a second. There's no time to think. They are pure sensations.

"It's very easy to say. But you have to learn the jump to add another turn. To learn a jump, I can fall 200 or 300 times. But I thought that just as I learned to walk by falling, then I can learn to skate. I learned that it's okay to fall down several times to make it perfect. I stopped and kept going, always willing to go through the pain."

For almost four years, Donovan Carrillo used the skates his sister Dafne inherited to him. The first four pairs he had were white. His mom took them with a shoemaker so that, at least, he could paint them black. At home there was no place to buy his own pair of skates. They were so big that his foot could move inside the boot, which is based on layers of a hard skin, which could hurt him. The feet of the skaters themselves are not pretty. They tend to have calluses and fingers deformed by the narrowness of the skate. They are used to training and competing, involving pain. Donovan does not hide a "second ankle" that he has in the instep of both feet. It's the callus that was formed because his feet were in constant movement, because the skates were not his size. At first it hurt a lot.

His first skates were bought when his sister's skates were stolen. He was preparing for a national championship, so his parents had no choice but to disburse thousands of pesos on them. They are black and by the Canadian brand Jackson, and the blades were a Paramount. He keeps them as the most precious treasure he has ever had.

In April 2013 the Ice Land rink closed. Donovan was training with Gregorio Núñez for six years by that time, then Gregorio went to León, where he was offered a job as a coach.

"When I was 13 years old, I went to live with him. My parents supported me and let me go. My coach opened the doors of his house and I formed a father-son bond. He never charged me for the classes. He does it for the love of sports. I was lucky to meet someone who is willing to sacrifice his personal life to help me fulfill my dream", he says.

Coach Nunez not only loses his salary when he accompanies Carrillo to competitions, he has to leave his students in charge with someone else. In the 14 years that he has been a coach, the updating courses that he has to take each year in United States or Canada run on his own. He learns the best techniques there, and also the judging system, because this is a sport of appreciation.

With 9 years old, Donovan competed in a National Championship that was held in Metepec. There he made himself known in the Mexican figure skating community. The attendees came to congratulate him on the program he presented. In Mexico it is very complicated for skaters to stay competing for many years. As they arrive, they’d disappear.

Then he jumped into the category where skaters of all ages compete, from 12 y/o to veteran skaters. He faced his lack of experience. The world fell apart in his first international event in the Cuautitlán Izcalli rink (which also closed). At the ISU Junior Grand Prix, for the first time he saw Russians, Americans and Canadians, the biggest countries. Out of 18 participants he ended 13th.

"It was shocking. I was not used to it or mentally prepared to see quadruple or triple jumps. I just worked with doubles and tried some triples. I was in shock. My coach helped me get out of the mental block. I discovered that my path was still very long. I was already important in Mexico, but I was very far from the world level. I started to travel abroad to compete, to try out, and I have been reaching the affordable goals I set for myself."

The lack of money lacks as a problem in front of the bullying that Donovan Carrillo has faced. He is well aware about the harassment all the children who dared to practice a sport considered exclusive for women has experienced. Dozens of them who trained, competed in the nationals later disappeared from the sport.

"At school, some people, or our neighbors would ask me 'why figure skating? that's for girls'. My mom was asked if she wasn't afraid that I would become gay for skating. These the prejudices that people have towards men who practice an artistic discipline, such as ballet or gymnastics. Society prevents us from growing and developing in the environments where we truly like to be in. They will say we have stop. There are many who left because they could not stand with the harassment. Sometimes the parents themselves say: 'No. My son will turn out gay', and then they take them to practice football instead."

— Did it affected you enough, to the level of wanting to drop skating? My parents helped me to overcome it. Yes, it came to affect me. They told me: "As long as you like it and you are clear about who you are, it should not affect you. If you are gay, we support you. You don't have to feel different." And I'd tell told them: "Believe me, I'm not gay. I like skating and I like girls". In Europe, skaters do not suffer this, people assume that it is a sport that has nothing to do with sexual preferences. It is very Latin American, in general, to associate it with being gay.

"I suffered a lot at school. They said to me: 'Here comes the [girly] skater'. Nobody can change it, it depends on the education and in the formation of the values of the house of said person, about respect towards others. At first I tried to explain and make them think about it, but people are so cruel. They say it to hurt you. It's useless. You can't save yourself from the comments or doubts. There is a lot of talent and there could be more skaters representing Mexico."

In 2016, when Donovan Carrillo reach fame because he presented a program with music by Juan Gabriel, the harassment escalated to social networks. "You see, he's gay", "They're going to make him gay", they wrote. The athlete was outraged that they used the word homosexual to insult him and as a way to offend his work. He gave himself time to defend himself, but the disqualifications kept going.

The costumes he uses moves away those who wants to offend. Although it is a pair of trousers and a shirt, they wear decorations with Swarovski crystals or sequins and embroidered beads. They are very expensive costumes, between 10,000 and 15,000 MX pesos. You have to choose the best costumes, those that weigh less so that you feel light when you execute the jumps and turnstiles. The brand from Queretaro called Artistic has sponsored him. His mother spent hours embroidering and gluing crystals to lower the cost when his costumes were designed in Guadalajara. The new black & pink suit with that he'll use in his next competitions must be paid by his family, since his sponsor is not in a position to give the money to pay it.

The sportswear firm Li-Ning recently gave him 15 train clothes. He will shortly sign a contract for this Chinese brand to give him whatever he needs. When he asked for a uniform of Mexico to use it in a competition [Kiss&Cry], he never received a response from the sports authorities of our country. With whom he makes his costumes, he ordered to design jackets with the colors of Mexico, for him and his coach.

Between August 22-25, Carrillo will participate in the ISU Junior Grand Prix that will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia. There is another date for him at the end of the month in Linz, Austria, but he will not attend due to the lack of money. The most important competitions for 2019 are the Four Continents Championships and both the Junior and Senior World Championships. He is not sure how many of them he'll be able to participate in, because of the lacking of funds.

"My most important goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games and end in a good place, not just attend there, it's to make all the investment worthy. I'm at a point where it's important to attend as many international competitions as I can to generate a good ranking position and so the classification will be easier to reach, as well as improve my level. I'm very proud because my coach and I have fulfilled all the goals we have set for ourselves thanks to the effort, work and sacrifice we made. I need to stop worrying about my career expenses and just focus on skating."

[nanoka12]

Continues~with Wings~ Treasured Edition Book: Takahito Mura Special Message

“I had seen Yuzuru when he was an elementary school student at the ice rink in Sendai where I had traveled to for choreography, and although he was a very slender child, I had the image of him working very hard at practicing jumps. After that when I mounted the podium at the 2007 Japanese Junior National Championships, I was moved to say “He has changed greatly since the first time I saw him”. Since he was a small child his spirit towards practice stood out, and he would continue working on something until he could do it. This has not changed in the past and even today. But in the past it was done recklessly, and now there is the sense that the movements of his body and so on are based on theory.

About the 4S, although Yuzuru said that he was able to succeed because of me, at that time he was already at a state where he seemed able to do it. I probably said something along the lines of “Won’t it be better if you placed more of your weight on your left leg?” And when I saw how once he tried that he became able to do it and performed the jump numerous times, I said “Sure enough, he’s amazing”. After all, what I conveyed was a vague image. And Yuzuru was able to immediately put it into practice. It was amazing that he was able to succeed while making adjustments. Actually I also consulted Yuzuru on the 4S, and it was thanks to him that I became able to do the jump. (laughs)

The first piece of music I skated to for this ice show is The Phantom of the Opera. This is because in the 2014-2015 season, though Yuzuru had skated to the movie version and I had skated to the musical version both of us had skated to The Phantom of the Opera. The other piece of music is Beauty and the Beast. This is partly because I personally like this programme, and also partly because I think there are similarities between Yuzuru’s image and the Beast’s image. He has an external aura during competitions from which one can feel he is overwhelmingly the king and he also has a gentle internal side at other times that is considerate of others.

At this ice show although I demonstrated the tricks that Yuzuru often performs, as the feeling of the takeoff is completely different from how I always jump I cannot understand them. Such as the 3A from a back counter, although I’ve practiced it I don’t feel that I can do it at all. While demonstrating, I think about how much this can convey that Yuzuru is amazing. (laughs) ”

[fstranslations]

Daisuke Takahashi: “Figure skating has to be the axis of my life.” Press Conference Q&A

Source: Sportsnavi, 2018.07.02. Comments from Daisuke Takahashi’s press conference on his return to competition. Translated by @suzumoriyuiko. Please do not repost without permission.

Daisuke Takahashi, coming back to competition after 4 years, has set Japanese Nationals in December as his current goal. Although he says "I don't think I can win at all" when it comes to competing against Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu or silver medalist Shoma Uno, he says with hope: "I want to be in the last group at Nationals and be with them during 6 minute practice and official practice."

"I couldn't move on entirely"

- Please tell us why you have made this decision and since when have you been thinking about coming back.

I made the decision that I wanted to come back after Nationals last year (2017). Since I retired 4 years ago, I went to New York, did work for the media, met a lot of people and as I watched people working at the front line* (not sure what he meant), I started to think little by little "is this really what I want to do."

Whether it was skaters fighting for a spot at the Olympics, every person was working hard with their own thoughts and goals. Before I retired, I wanted to compete internationally, but seeing all of them trying their very best to leave something remarkable at Nationals moved me, and also made me think "that's also another way of competing." Until now, I thought I didn't need to compete if I can't win but I realized it's also something remarkable to compete for yourself.

Moreover, I realized during the 4 years that the fact that I couldn't compete at the World Championships after the Sochi Olympics because of an injury was also something that prevented me from moving on entirely to the next step. To do so, I thought it was necessary to compete again until I could move on satisfied. Even I myself am not able to put it all together properly, and the feelings that got me to decide to compete again are complex; I think it will be hard for everyone to understand everything.

To continue skating from now on, I realize it's going to be very hard to skate for more than 10 years. It's probably 5-6 years maximum that I will be able to put on a very good performance. When I realized that, I thought I wanted to regain my own skating and to not be rude to the ones who come watch me at ice shows, I needed to build my body back and compete again in order to skate in such a way. That is also one of the reasons.

- You said Nationals was one of the reasons, but how did you decide definitively, 6 months later? Was there any inner debate before you decided?

Since I decided, I was spending my time only thinking about competing again so I was feeling quite refreshed since then, although I still had worries. Being able to watch amazing skaters at the Olympics and Worlds up close was a good stimulus for me, and for the technique side too, I'm currently practicing quads and watching up close made me learn a lot about how they jump. I had almost no time to skate until March, but I started slowly from April and now I'm spending valuable time.

- Please tell us who exactly you were talking about when you said watching amazing skaters was a good stimulus for you.

Watching everyone was exciting. I spent time thinking it is going to be hard to bring it back to the point where I can compete internationally, the way I am right now. When I started training again, my body wouldn't move the way I wanted it to and it made me worry about whether I could even do this. But slowly, as I started building up my body again, I realized I may be able to do some stuff. I'm sure it will be necessary to have jumps to compete, so for that I am looking at Nathan Chen's jumps very closely.

"I want to do it for myself"

- You also had hard times with injuries before retiring. Even after those hard times, you decided to come back to compete. What kind of feelings do you have about coming back?

First, I thought that figure skating has to be the axis of my life. When living daily life, I thought I needed something solid to be able to be myself. In that way, gaining back my skating is something that will get me moving. It might sound a bit condescending, but until now I think I've been competing to meet expectations and other things like that. But this time, I want to do it for myself, and not for someone else.

- It's currently the generation of quads, and some rules have changed. Is there anything about this timing?

No, it just happened to be at the same time. 7 jumps in 4 minutes. I don't think it's something easy, but it's different from what I've been doing and at the same time that's a good timing to challenge it with a fresh new feeling.

- Tell us about your vision for competing.

For now I'm not even sure I can bring it to the point I can compete, and of course I want to leave results but first I want to head towards Nationals and compete at Kinki Block (Regionals) and West Japan Sectionals.

As for getting on podium at Nationals, I think it will be hard to get there judging from the current situation, but I might see something new as I continue practicing. If I see it, I might make that my goal, or maybe not. I want to think about a bigger goal after Nationals. I only have half a year until Nationals and I have to fill in the big blank of 4 years, so I want to try my very best in the next 6 months.

- What kind of skater do you want to be, finally?

Right now, I'm over 30 and I'm really old in the figure skating world, so it's going to be hard to grow but I want to show that even after 30 you can still grow this much. I hope that I can be a skater who can show that in December, after it's done.

- So you aren't thinking of competing internationally after Nationals?

Yes, right now I am not thinking about competing internationally. With different environments, my feelings my change but I want to see what I can do and grow while still in Japan, not in the World.

- What are your goals for jumps?

For quads... I'm hoping at least 2 kinds twice (laughs). I think I have to become at least able to jump that much. As I practice, I think I'm getting better than a few of the younger skaters, so I can still see it maybe happening. Even then, I need to be careful to not force my body too much all of a sudden, so I will not rush too much and take it slowly. I'm still feeling good about it though. I'd like to put at least 2 kinds twice.

-  You said you weren't able to give it your all during Sochi season, and that it was one of the reasons to compete again. Does that make your heart burn?

It has been 4 years since then, and the first 2 years I didn't even think about the word "competing", so it's not exactly like I was thinking about this for the whole 4 years. However, I started noticing this feeling in myself especially during the past year.

- After Nationals last year, there was also the Pyeongchang Olympics. As you were thinking about competing again, how were you feeling while watching younger skaters compete? Additionally, please tell us if the performance of younger skaters influenced you.

At Pyeongchang Olympics, I was just watching with a very supportive feeling. I thought that even if I returned to competition, I wouldn't be able to compete against top skaters anyways. I thought they were in another dimension, so I felt separated from that and I was watching with different feelings. Except that, when skaters did their very best and were sad or happy, I thought that was nice and I wanted to feel that again.

In that way, it became a good stimulus for me and I thought since I'm doing it, I would like to end in that kind of happiness.

- You said you wanted 2 kinds of quads twice. If you bring yourself to that level, won't you want to compete internationally?

For now I can't think of it. If there is a chance, I'd like to think about it but I'm not sure whether or not I should compete internationally. When I think about the future, I think it's better that younger generations compete and I don't want to be in the way. So if it turns out to be like that (a chance comes up), I will think about that before making a decision.

"I'm really excited"

- At Pyeongchang Olympics, there were many Japanese skaters who left results. Did that influence your decision making?

It wasn't exactly a reason of my decision, but it did become a good stimulus. I was happy about the result just as another citizen. I never saw myself in there as a skater who is coming back to competition. Since I didn't see myself trying for the Olympics at all, I separated myself from that.

- You had many different troubles with your body before retiring, such as the pain in your knees. How is your current condition?

There are still a few influences from the surgery. I still have to take care of it, since an injury is still to be taken care even later. For that I continue to observe my condition since the injury will not get any better right now, but I've been dancing a lot more than before my retirement and although I didn't do any muscle training before, I need to right now and I'm building a whole different body compared to before my retirement.

- There will be Olympic gold and silver medalists at Nationals, but do you want to win against them?

Of course I'd want to win if I could, but I don't feel like I can at all. (laughs) But if I can be more confident as I train more, I hope I can keep up with them.

- Is the feeling of excitement the biggest?

Yes, I'm still worried but the feeling of excitement is definitely there. I'm going into this as a challenger so it's normal that I don't win, and I think I can't win against (Olympic) gold and silver medalists, so if I win it'd be a windfall. (laughs) They're both really in another dimension. I don't know if I can be at a position to challenge them, but I do want to be in the last group at Nationals and be together with them for 6 minute practice and official practice.

[fyeahitalianskaters]

Carolina Kostner won’t be at Japan Open due to left hip pain and tendinitis of the proximal tendon femoral quadriceps in the left thigh. Medical staff recommended a few days off ice to heal, hence the withdrawal from Japan Open to focus on full recovery.

On the other hand, her participation to the Grand Prix in Helsinki and Grenoble is confirmed. Programs for the new season are “Ne me quitte pas” by Jacques Brel performed by Céline Dion (same as last season) for the short program and “The Storm” by Havasi for the free skate.

Maria Sotskova of Russia will replace her at Japan Open (x).

[tadakixd-blog]

Yuzuru Hanyu Withdraws From Worlds 2018

Finally. From Sponichi Annex, JSF announced today that:

(He) has been diagnosed with "Damage to the lateral ligament of the right ankle and damage to the peroneal tendon". It is said that he is expected to require 2 weeks of rest and 3 months of rehabilitation treatment.

Hanyu said: "Thank you so much for all the support up till now. Although with the results of the medical examination, I am unable to participate in the World Championships, in order to recover faster by even just one day, I will undergo both treatment and rehabilitation properly, and continue forward doing what I can little by little."

Tomono Kazuki will go to Worlds in his place.

====

Please note: There are many ligaments in the ankle, and the exact name of the lateral ligament is not fully indentified in ANY report so far. This is most likely for simplification purposes. However, damage to the peroneal tendon, another ligament on the outside of the foot, has not been reported before.

[tanaka-keiji]

Yuzuru Hanyu’s “wife” and Shoma Uno’s “big brother”

Yuzuru Hanyu’s “wife” and Shoma Uno’s “big brother”

Reporters and federation personnel comment on Keiji’s relationships with Shoma and Yuzuru in an article by women’s magazine “Prime”

03/06/2018

As Yuzuru Hanyu’s “wife” and Shoma Uno’s “big brother,” Keiji Tanaka has been supportive of both skaters

Yuzuru Hanyu achieved the first consecutive Olympic victory in 66 years. After an injury sustained in November of last year demanded a full-time recovery period, he had to pull off a winning performance at the last minute in Pyeongchang.

“His short program just blew off everyone’s concerns. Although he had flawed landings in the free skate, overall it was a performance where you couldn’t tell if he was injured. He got more cheers than anyone else, he was the center of the attention and his performance was the highlight. He showed he really is the ‘absolute king.’” ( – sports columnist)

As Nathan Chen, who had risen up as a worthy opponent, fell victim to the so-called “Olympic demon,” another Japanese ace, Shoma Uno was able to overcome his nerves.

“His short program was perfect. Then, up to the last moments of the free skate when he should have been feeling the most nervous, he landed all the combination jumps and captivated the audience.” ( – same sports columnist)

Third place in the SP Uno ended up beating second place Javier Fernandez in a sudden reversal. The world shook with excitement at the double-punch victory.

In the free skate, Keiji Tanaka recovered from his mistakes in the short program and was able to climb up the ranking.

“He hasn’t been able to land many quads in the big competitions, but he landed the opening quad salchow in the free skate, so that really showed his determination. His quads have been in good shape since he got here, so it’s too bad that he made mistakes when it came time to perform. But he got positive grades of execution on the other elements, so it was a beautiful performance.” ( – same sports columnist)

Compared to Uno and Hanyu, who are big stars, many may not think Tanaka has a strong presence, but he has actually been a big supporter of both skaters.

“They may be rivals in the competitions, but they are very good friends. They have a wonderful effect on each other. Off the ice, Tanaka is the one with the most common sense, so he takes on the role of supporting and taking care of the other two.” ( – skating federation staff member)

Tanaka’s now main practice rink is in the Hyogo prefecture nowadays, and he’s becoming a very good leader to the young skaters there.

Shoma sits on Keiji’s lap

“On days-off and such, he will take 2-3 younger skaters to a public bathhouse. He’s very good at taking care of them. At the end of last year, he went back to the rink in Kurashiki, his hometown, and that was around the same time that the Olympic representatives were announced. He was surrounded by little kids, so he seems to be very popular.” ( – same federation staff member)

Tanaka is not just popular with little kids, but he’s also like a big brother to Uno, who’s 3 years younger than him.

“When they were juniors, Uno-kun would stick to Tanaka-kun like glue, following him around everywhere. When they would share a room at away tournaments, Uno-kun was not used to those kinds of trips, so you’d even see Tanaka-kun teaching Uno-kun how to do laundry. Uno’s coach would be embarrassed, saying to him, “Sorry for hassling you all the time.” And Tanaka-kun would puff up his chest and say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” I think he was more like a reliable father than an older brother (laugh)” ( – sports writer)

At nights when they can’t go home after competing, they stay up playing Yu-gi-oh! card games. It seems the meeting place is almost always Tanaka Keiji’s hotel room.

“Tanaka likes to keep everything clean, and apparently he keeps his room very cozy and neat. (laugh). After the free skate at the 2016 Four Continents, Uno went over to Tanaka in the waiting room and just quietly sat on his lap. They showed that on TV. It really did look like a father and his son.” ( – previously mentioned sports columnist)

It appears that the main reason Tanaka feels compelled to take care of Uno is that he’s “an eccentric kid.”

“He likes skating too much – so much so that I don’t think he has any interest in anything else. He’s also rather child-like at times, like the fact that the only food he likes is meat and he only eats vegetable a few times a year.” ( – previously mentioned federation staff member)

Since Uno was called a prodigy from a very young age, it’s possible he has certain sensitivities ordinary people don’t have. Takahiro-san (?), an employee at the Nagoya sports center, remembers seeing Uno step onto the ice rink for the first time.

“It was when Shoma was 3 years old. At that age, usually they can only skate if they’re holding their parent’s hand. But he just immediately stepped onto the ice and started walking smoothly. I even went ‘Eh?!” in a loud voice. Because he wasn’t afraid of the ice at all.” ( – Takahiro-san)

The famous story is that Mao Asada also saw this and was enamored with Uno, saying, “You should start doing figure skating!”

“He was a child so he would cry when he made a mistake, but he would still keep doing his utmost. He was very competitive. When he finished kindergarten or elementary school, he would come over every day and skate until 6pm. After that, he started training with his own team. Even now when I see him practicing silently, it doesn’t look like he’s changed since then.” ( – Takahiro-san)

Being indifferent toward anything except his performance must be a consequence of the figure skating lifestyle. When he was asked about the Pyeonchang Olympics in the 2015 Four Continents, he said, “Is Pyeongchang in Korea?”

“It seems he really didn’t know. In the Grand Prix season, when he has a packed schedule filled with competitions one after the other, he’ll ask, ‘Where am I going next again?’” ( – previously mentioned skating federation staff member)

That is the kind of person whom an older brother figure like Tanaka can’t help looking after.

Playing the role of a wife

It’s not just the younger skater, Uno, who has come to rely on Tanaka, but also Hanyu, who is the same age. As three skaters of the same generation, Tanaka, Hanyu, and Hino Ryuju have been growing and developing alongside one another.

“When they were little, every competition was different and they kept swapping places at the podium. So they would all take turns being frustrated. The jumping practice was already a competition. I think it would be something like, ‘If that guy can do that jump, I have to do it, too!’ Even the jump that everyone struggles with – the triple axel – those three learned very quickly. I feel like when one spots the other at an event, they immediately go to each other. When they were high schoolers, they’d have an arm around each other’s shoulders. And with Tanaka-san being kind of tall, Hanyu-san would be tucked under his armpit.” ( – same skating federation staff member)

So, to an outsider, they’d look just like a couple. Hanyu has said about Tanaka, “To me, he is like a wife.” Apparently he meant that Tanaka is someone with whom he feels at ease.

When at Hanyu’s side…

“Just like his nickname ‘the absolute king’ would indicate, Hanyu-kun tends to be a hard person to approach. But he is a lot more talkative than you’d expect. Tanaka-kun is just the opposite – he’s the silent type. So, with Hanyu-kun usually doing the talking, Tanaka-kun is just going, “Yeah, yeah,” and “Really?” He mostly takes on the listener’s role. Hanyu-kun’s a very quick-thinking person, so the pace of the conversation tends to be quick as well. But since they’ve known each other so long, Tanaka-kun is not taken aback by how quickly he talks, and I think that must make Hanyu-kun feel at ease.” ( – sports writer)

Being different types actually seems to be the reason that they are comfortable around each other.

“Hanyu did not take part in the team competition, so he arrived at the arena after the others. At the official practice, where everyone from the press corps to the people from the rivals’ teams were all trying gauge what condition he was in after his injury, he was drawing a lot of attention. In that tense atmosphere, the one who was always at Hanyu’s side was Tanaka.” ( – previously mentioned sports columnist)

Maybe the fact that Hanyu did not bring his lucky item with him to Pyeongchang was part of his anxiety.

“The Pooh-san tissue box that he’s always holding was considered brand promotion, so it was not allowed. So he brought a ‘shortcake’ tissue box instead. Just seeing him with the Pooh-san box is a comfort. But I think that having a familiar face like Tanaka-san there by his side made him feel less helpless.” ( – previously mentioned skating federation staff member)

Having a helpful, reliable person like Tanaka watching out for them made it easier for Uno and Hanyu to display their maximum strength there.

“Of course, Hanyu and Uno are both skaters who each have plenty of their own strength. And it’s not like they have a combative relationship, but I think that for any competitor, there is a lot of tension in the atmosphere just before it’s time to perform. But because Tanaka was there, I think they were able to relax around each other.” ( – same skating federation staff member)

Of course, one assumes the presence of his two trusted friends also helped Tanaka to do his best at his current level. And there is no doubt that the great performances showed by them will serve to inspire the next generation of great male figure skaters.

“A long time ago, it was a rate of about 1 in 10 boys, now it’s about 1 in 5. Daisuke Takahashi and Takahiko Kozuka also made an impact a little while ago, and gradually this rate has been increasing, but I think Uno-kun is also having a great effect.” ( – Takahiro-san)

It’s possible the day will come when Uno will also show the same kind of affection to a junior he was showed by a senior like Tanaka. The “little brothers” who achieved great results must surely feel the effects.

http://www.jprime.jp/articles/-/11716

TN: The “sports writer,” “sports columnist” and “federation staff member” are all quoted anonymously.

[lynnneposts]

[Huffpost exclusive interview] Brian Orser speaks Junhwan Cha, Yuzuru Hanyu, and Yuna Kim

Even though they’ve been separated for eight years, Orser is still proud of Yuna Kim.

At the Gangneung Ice Arena, where the figure skatng competition for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics was held, there was a person who was the busy like nobody else.

On the day of the men’s competition, he had to change his clothes three times, and run around here and there for his three skaters. He’s a familiar name for Koreans. It’s figure skating coach Brian Orser.

After his retirement, the 1984 and 1988 silver medalist took Yuna in as his first student and led her to the top of the world. Although their relationship didn’t end on a good note, Yuna won silver at Sochi after their separation and Orser raised world class athletes even after Yuna.

Orser sent five athletes in total to PyeongChang. South Korea’s Junhwan Cha, Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu, Spain’s Javier Fernandez, Canada’s Garbrielle Daleman, and Elizabet Tursynbayeva are the names.

Junhwan ended up as 15th in the individual event and succesfully completed his olympic debut, and Yuzuru Hanyu became the two time consecutive olympic gold champion. It’s the first time since in 66 years, since Dick Button of the United States. Fernandez also won the bronze and made it to the podium with Yuzuru. Daleman and Tursynbayeva ranked 12th and 15th respectively.

What did PyeongChang mean to Orser? Did he feel anything new since it was Yuna’s home country? On the 22nd, the day before the ladies’ free skate, Huffpost met with Orser in Gangneung and asked about his experience at the olympics. Before he was even asked about his past students, Orser brought up Yuna’s name. Although their separation is still a topic of discussion, to this day, Orser is still proud of Yuna Kim.

— first, congrats on your students. how did you feel when yuzu and javi stood on the podium?

“very proud. it was a great experience for me as a coach since i’ve spent quite a long time with both of them. 7 years with javi, 6 years with yuzu. it was wonderful to see them both on the podium.

this olympics was very important. since yuzu, javi and my students were competing at the olympics again, it was important to be with them. yuzu was looking to become a two time olympic gold medalist along with a gold medal.

yuzu was very happy to stand on the podium with javi since he was 4th at the last olympics by a small margin. but since he ranked fourth then, we could see him for three more years. if javi had won a medal four years ago, he would have retired then.

i thought this comp would be a showdown between javi and yuzu. i can’t pick one over another since i coached them both. when you were young, whenever you asked your parents to pick their favourite child, they always replied the same since everyone is special. i’m feel the same. i love all my students the same. they each have different personalities and traits. i’m not much different than a parent.”

— you were called the busiest man at the ice arena. you had to change twice, and coach five students. what are some things to keep in mind when coaching multiple students at once?

“attention to detail. i have to wear a team spain jacket when javi’s in practice. the same goes for yuzu, junhwan, gabby, and elizabet. it gets a bit complex when they’re in the same warmup session. i wear neutral jackets then but prepare team jackets as well. planning is important. before i leave the village, i check if i have all the jackets and draw the path i have to take in my mind. it’s not that hard if you plan accordingly.”

— how was the opening ceremony?

“the opening ceremony felt very special to me. the last part where Yuna lit the torch was truly beautiful. I almost had tears in my eyes. I have pride in her. I know how important this olympics was to her. She was part of the bidding and the organizing committee.

— we all had tears in our eyes when Yuna appeared.

“that’s right. Especially for me. It was a great scene, and a perfect choice.”

junhwan

— this was junhwan’s first olympics. what kind of goals were on his mind?

our first goal was to get a spot for the olympics. this was the first year he could vouch for one. in Korea, there’s three skaters in the men’s field competing for the spot. except for junhwan, the two have some experience at Worlds and senior comps.

we started preparing at July but he had an injury back then, a problem with the skates, along with the need for a new program. we weren’t prepared.”

it was also physically challenging. he’s grown so much in the three years i’ve been with him. in figure skating, the body’s axis is the most important. when your body grows, the axis changes as well and you can’t spin as fast as before.

we went through a series of frustration. along with junhwan, i was a bit disturbed as well. the parents, who don’t know much about fs, were also worrying as well. so we had to be patient.

in the first qualifying comp, junhwan was 24 points behind. in the next one, he was 3 points behind. he had to win by over 27 points in the last comp. so i reminded him of how he won over the two skaters by 5-60 points in a competition last year. and he won the spot.

i think the fed chose the right person since they have to think about the future. we need to consider what the olympic experience would mean to junhwan, and what effect it would have on his career in the future. Junhwan didn’t disappoint anyone.

— what do you think of junhwan as a skater?

“do i think he’s in the top 5, 6, 7th in the world? yes. do others think so? no. the judges are also people. they already think about the scores skaters would get in their heads.

junhwan’s skate was impressive, but they may be afriad of him getting a score they didn’t anticipate. but if junhwan skates well in the future, the judges would be able to trust him more.

junhwan’s standing at a 8 point barrier. when he’s capable of producing 8 points, he’ll move on to 9 points. we must take our time. it will happen someday. we just have to wait with patience.”

— does junhwan have any weaknesses?

“not really. if i had to pick one, it would be ‘responsibility.’ when he was young, he couldn’t lead his daily trainings. he was used to doing what others asked him to do, and maybe used to thinking what others wanted him to think.

but now, he has his own opinion and his own voice. i want to teach him to express his opinions to me. if he doesn’t like the music, choreo, or element, i hope he speaks up. i think he has grown enough to voice his own opinion.

he was able to grow into the young man he is due to the olympics, and he’s ready to take responsibility for his own decisions. Junhwan is ready to go for the next step.”

— does junhwan feel pressured to do quads?

“junhwan is capable of doing quads and he already landed the quad toeloop. but i don’t want him to jump quads too quickly. i don’t want him to get hurt. i saw too many skaters who got injured because they were overdoing quads.

the important thing is whether they are able to land quads combined with other elements. quads themselves are important, but it’s more important whether a skater can land a quad toeloop after a triple axel. that would be true art and something that you rarely see.

personally, i don’t want to get caught up on quads.

you wouldn’t want to forget the essence of figure skating just for quads. if skaters don’t get points for skating skills, transitions, choreography, speed, and power, we can only resort to quads. it would be very sad if that happens.”

— junhwan’s next goal?

“preparing for the grand prix season. i hope he gets taken as a serious competitor and i also hope he medals. he’s ready for that. i hope his growth spurt ends so he can finally adapt to his body. he’ll be able to practice quads once he maintains his balance and axis.”

— yuzu had a three month gap due to his injury. how did he spend it?

“yuzu was in Toronto the entire time. It was very gloomy at first. I was sad to see him on crutches because i knew how much he wanted to train.

Instead of training, he imagined training in his head and practiced on land. He was very serious about it.

the turning point came three weeks before the olympics. a road seemed to open up. he started training from then, and had to do all the elements we planned. so i gave him confidence and planned a strategy. and he did it.

it’s a miracle that he produced these results. i never underestimated him, but it felt like he was a ‘superpower’ from a different planet. i’m not surprised that he produced these results. i’m just happy since i know what he went through to get them.”

— some criticized yuzu for reusing his 15/16 season program. what do you think about this?

“i think it was a wise decision to display the program again after time had passed, since it’s a very special program. isn’t it something you would see at the olympics? i think doing the program two years ago was too early for the olympic-worthy program.

the same goes for the short program. it’s beautiful and exquisite, and you never get tired of watching it.”

— was it yuzu’s choice?

“it was 100% his decision, and i supported him. he made the choice with responsibility. he always has good ideas. i think the press talked a lot about his decision. but a lot of people wanted to see this program. the judges especially liked it.

when yuzu broke his world record with this program, some judges remarked that ‘it was the best moment of my life to be able to watch and judge this wonderful and magical performance.

the judges who weren’t able to watch that competition live was able to watch it during the olympics, so i think it was a good decision.”

— how many skaters do you coach at the moment?

“except for the skaters that competed at the olympics, i have 4-5 more that i work with on a regular basis. i don’t know what yuzu’s decision is going to be, but i know javi is going to retire after the olympics.”

— what’s your secret in finding young skaters?

“luckily, they tend to come to me. there’s something that’s more important than teaching skaters. it’s spending time with them in order to learn more about them.

when i train with top skaters such as junhwan, javi, yuzu, and gabby, i spend time with each of them. i couldn’t do the same if i had twelve students. that’s why i choose skaters selectively and limit their numbers.

i’m not the right coach for a skater that needs a quick fix. it takes about a year and a half to see results with my teaching. it takes about a year and a half to establish basic foundations of skating and to see change.

i’m planning to take in one or two new students when the olympics is over. these students, as my current ones have done, should be able to accept that progress takes time.

it’s like learning piano. learning theory and practicing scales all day is very boring. but you need to set the foundation. you can produce a richer and fancier sound with a good foundation. the same goes for skating.”

— any traits you look for in a young skater?

“they have to love figure skating. i want to see them fly on the ice. i want to see them show off their beautiful skills when they’re practicing edges with the other skaters. most of all, they truly have to love skating.”

— any young skaters you’re interested in?

“i’m coaching a young but skilled skater. he’s debuting as a junior this year and i’m planning to prep him for beijing 2022. He’s Canadian Stephen Gogolev. he turned 13 two months ago, but he can land all the quads. he landed a triple lutz at the age of 10. although we did coach him, God himself gifted him with the skills. He is a beautiful skater, and was born to rotate and jump. but since he is still growing, there are obstacles that we’ve yet to overcome.

i’m also watching junhwan. i’m not sure whether Gogolev, who’s 3 years younger than him, would jump better quads, but in terms of flow and maturity, junhwan is much better. beijing would be a battle between the two [junhwan and Gogolev]. they may become rivals, but it would be interesting to watch.”

— did Yuna love skating?

“when i first started coaching her, it seemed as if she didn’t really love skating. it felt like a challenge at first. but after the year and a half of training, she established the basics, and Yuna came to love skating. it seemed like she started loving training because she became better at skating. during training, Yuna seemed to realize her jumping skills and beautiful movements that she didn’t notice before.

yuna’s delicate movements were breathtakingly beautiful. it was enjoyable watching her grow up to a great skater.”

— how did you feel when Yuna announced her retirement?

“we separated on a sour note, and to this day, it still feels confusing to me. but i had to move on and continue with my work. after the separation, we met a couple times and we treated each other with great kindness.

i know that Yuna is proud of my accomplishments as a coach. when we met at Sochi, she congratulated both Yuzu and Javi on their performances. In my opinion, I think she is proud that I’ve produced great results with other skaters. So i hope to meet Yuna here, at pyeongchang.

we’ve been together for a long time. we had our good moments and the bad ones, but we were always together. I was sad when she retired. Everyone loves it when Yuna takes to the ice.”

— did you get to meet Yuna at PyeongChang?

“not yet. it’s a bit hard to approach her since she’s so famous. Yuna’s busy with her olympic schedule, and I’m busy with mine. Maybe we’ll meet at the ladies free skate. i hope we get to say hello at least.”

— what do you think about diversity in the olympics?

“it’s a world stage to spread great messages. Adam Rippon is spreading his message with positivity and helping out teens that are going through hard times. this kind of education is appropriate for the olympics. the olympics is the perfect stage to promote diversity since everyone is watching and listening.

somewhere in a small village, a young child would gain confidence watching the olympics instead of falling into depression or thinking that there’s something wrong with them.

there’s also a pride house in the Canada house. I’m proud as a Canadian. they had one at the last olympics, but the one at pyeongchang seems more visible.

it takes time for people to understand diversity. some may never understand. but that’s okay. everyone is entitled to their opinions, and they have different thoughts, religions, and teachings. people should be a bit more sensitive towards each others different traditions and cultures.

— Korea is developing into a society that embraces diversity. what do you think?

“I visited Korea for the first time in 1988, exactly 30 years ago. Ever since i visited Korea as I started teaching Yuna, I could feel change in the role of women in this society.

women began to gain convidence and a voice. I think Yuna had a lot to do with it, since many women look up to her. The world isn’t just for men. The world has changed.”

— what is orser’s next goal?

“i need a break. the past few years of my life was dedicated to the olympics. i couldn’t do a lot of things because of it. my partner waited for me and understood that my world revolved around the olympics.

i was often awake due to the time difference between Toronto to Korea and Japan. In the past year before the olympics, I only took a break once, for a week. And during that week, I kept checking my emails when my partner wasn’t looking.

I also had some health issues. my partner was so concerned. i think it’s because of stress. stress causes all kinds of diseases, doesn’t it. so i need a break. Worlds are coming up. I think i’ll take a week off after then.”

original article found here: http://www.huffingtonpost.kr/entry/brian-orser_kr_5a8fd6bbe4b01e9e56ba48cb?utm_id=naver

[ivett-toth]

New interview by hunskate with our beloved Ivett, in where she talks about her new training enviroment, new programs and other personal stuff. Translation by @fanpower98​, please don’t repost!

Ivett Tóth successfully passed her final exams so now she can concentrate on training with full power. Our olympic figure skater can start the new season with a new SEAT and supported by MOL*, after two weeks resting she started training again. We looked back to last season with her and we talked about her new programs, plans and goals.

[*N/T: MOL is a famous hungarian oil and gas company]

Congratulations on your graduation! There was a fully scheduled year behind you. How did you get by?

Thank you, I’m happy I could finally check this off. In the olympic season, when I trained in Switzerland, the school took a backseat, I couldn’t travel back home for the exams so I had to do grade 12 again. It was hard but it affected me on a positive way, where something also got my attention beside skating and didn’t overthink while training. In the last weeks I spent less time on the ice because of the exams, I usually had one practise a day. I could get to work again after the written [exams] then Vasas had an outage where, without ice, meant us a two weeks break. In the meantime I got beyond the oral [exams] so now the intensive preparation can start.

You started the last season with the Italian and the Finnish challengers. How did you evaluate your performance there?

I’m happy I started the season earlier like in the previous seasons because it made me feel calmer, I didn’t had to rush or act in haste to go through the road I planned. Thanks to a good short program, I could do my free in the best group at Lombardia Trophy and I got 7th place overall, so I got ranking points with that. At Finlandia Trophy I did a lot of stupid mistakes so I slipped really down, in the end I didn’t need that much to reach the settled goal. I learned from both competitions.

Then you had two competitions at home: you had the lead at the Halloween Cup after the short program, but you got bronze at the end, at Christmas Cup you were able to keep the first place and you won with high scores. Is the pressure bigger if you have to compete at home?

I always have some nervousness in me but it rather gives me safety when I can compete at home. Moreover they organized the Halloween Cup in Vasas where I practice day by day and since I live close to the rink I just walked to the competition. This is why it was special to me, because it was the first time I competed there. However I already got a lot of experience in the Gyakorló Jégcsarnok (Practice Rink), Christmas Cup went better because it was more than one month later and I could get in shape until then. Actually we should keep out where we compete but of course we know that at home there are more familiar faces, there are more hungarian fans in the spectators’ area which affects me in a positive way on stressful situations.

Yet before Christmas Cup you could be glad for a foreign win: you got a gold medal in November in Riga at Volvo Open Cup. How do you recall that competition?

I did my short program for the first time in the season where, when I got off the ice, I was satisfied with my performance. The free wasn’t perfect, though. But I accomplished it better than in the previous competitions. There was this feeling where for the first time I felt I was able to show for what we worked so hard that I started to find myself. It was a little milestone for me from which we could build.

However at Four National Competitions, which is also the Nationals, you didn’t do well. How did you prepare after that to the European Championships?

I’m a very nervous type of person, I have to consciously pay attention to relax even if the training went very well. Although the competition was here in [Buda]Pest and I felt the fans’ support, I couldn’t relax for some reason. I didn’t perform well but at least my performance was enough to not to have to participate in another sorting competition so I could concentrate on the training with my nerves. I knew if I keep calm and only follow my coaches advices, we can reach our goal.

This goal was to be in the top ten but at the end you managed to get the 13th place from last year. You had some trouble with the double Axel in both programs but you got an ISU season’s personal best for the free skate. You could perform before a big crowd, how did you live it through?

I was very surprised that so much people came, I didn’t think figure skating or any other ice sport is that famous in Belarus. The audience encouraged all competitors, clapped through the programs, it had the feeling like the stands were full with asian fans. I still haven’t found whys for that two double Axels, maybe some short circuit [I can’t remember the word we use in english fs fandom]. True, I haven’t got into the top ten but I feel like I managed to get better at both programs compared to last year and I think back with with good feelings to Minsk EC. Particularly to the free, I slapped into the air at the end, I felt like I did my best this time. When I looked into my coaches’ eyes, that said everything, I knew they are proud of me. Through that one year together Zsófi and Zoli [Zsófia Tokaji-Kulcsár, Zoltán Tóth] became extremely important persons in my life, there isn’t bigger pleasure than the fact I could bring them joy. These are the unforgettable memories what drives us forward in gray weekdays and in trainings and I hope we can live through more moments like this together.

After your fifth European Championships came your fifth World Championship where unfortunately you couldn’t perform your free skate. What was in you when you got off the ice and got your scores?

Between EC and Worlds I would’ve had an another competition but I got sick and I rested so much that my muscles got down so I had to concentrate on getting back to my condition instead of competing. I did succeed on it quite well but I felt the lack of the competitions’ atmosphere at Worlds. I would have liked to finish the season with a good performance but the missed jump and the stumble on the step sequence cost a lot. That hurt more that getting in the free depended on these .3 tenths but you also have to know how to handle this. With a harder heart we tried to take the opportunity that we were in Japan: we went to sightseeing in Tokyo, watched almost all the competitions and I could learn a lot from the others’ performances. We enjoyed the banquet very much and then when we came home I had to start to prepare to my final exams so I couldn’t stay dwelling on for long what happened there.

If you had to describe your season with some words, what would you say?

Maybe that that I did everything full of love and now somehow every training and every competition went easier than last year. Because I started to work with new coaches it was also a very good experience. A lot of times I couldn’t bring it out of myself during competitions what I did at practices but they always stood by me and helped me.

In May the selected ones could work with Alexandr Abt, who you could met at the competition in Riga. What gave you these four days?

He had great results as a figure skater and I already knew him by sight because I have competed many times with one of his Swiss student. Although it’s not possible to do miracles in four days he did a very good job with us, we learned a lot from him and we could get to know a fantastic person by him. We paid attention to steps, spins and also jumps, we mostly did exercises to move us out from the comfort zone and try other steps into the elements. We benefit from this a lot at practices and it’s sure I’ll build some little things into my programs from those what he showed us.

Since you already mentioned your programs: would you reveal what music did you chose for next season, what style will you come out with [this time]?

It’s important to me to stay interesting so I’m showing a new side of me again in my short program: I’ll skate to swing. It has a plenty of challenges in it but I enjoy it very much. It’s choreographed by Nóra Hoffmann and my coaches, in regards of the costume and make up still no decisions were made [T/N: the interview was in July so it’s probably done by now]. Because we performed the short many times I definitely wanted to change it so neither the judges and neither the fans would get bored. However I kept the free because I loved it and I feel I can make a lot more out of it. I haven’t had the opportunity to work with Benoit this time but we are in contact and I hope next year we can continue our work together.

What are your main goals for next season? In what would you want to evolve the most?

My main goal is to have a more balanced season, to get in shape earlier and to increase the number of my triple jumps. In the short program I would like to make my triple-triple more difficult, we will see which one is the best during practices. To the free I would like to put back the Flip, what was in it at some competitions in autumn but then we took it out. Besides this we are also working on them [the programs] performance-wise a lot and since my short was choreographed here at home and I have performed the free for a year I can practice them better.

Although you got two weeks resting, for you half of it was about studying. Do you still have the opportunity to go on a holiday to really get relaxed?

We always go somewhere with family but it won’t come together this year. I’ll have some free weekends but frankly, now I don’t feel like I need some rest. I couldn’t do intense training because of exams and I really missed the [physical] stress, I couldn’t wait to continue the practices. I really enjoy the work, I can absolutely give myself to the music we’ve found for the short and I also want to level up my free program. Based on all of what we went through last season with my coaches, I dare to say that there is “kraft”* in our collaboration and we still can show a lot of things to the audience.

I feel that I found my place.

*[T/N: “kraft” means “strength/force and Ivett used this word and I wanted to keep it. We use a lot of hungarized german words.]

[chocktaw-salchow]

TRANSLATION: Majorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, two gifted skaters who have no time to lose

By Michel Marois

This is a translation of an article originally posted by La Presse

Three time canadian junior ice dance champions, Majorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha will be in Zagreb, Croatia next week for the World Junior Championships. Though the team went their separate ways a few years ago, Lajoie and Lagha reunited and now train in Saint-Henri with renowned coaches Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon

“We were with a different coach at a club on the South Shore [of Montreal] and we decided to take a break,” recalled Marjorie Lajoie last week in an interview. “It was when we arrived here [at the Montreal International Skating School] that we started to skate together again…”

Patrice Lauzon, who admits to having contributed to their reunion as a team, explained: “In dance, it’s always an advantage to have been together for a long time and they [Marjorie and Zachary] had been skating together for years. We were convinced that they had the potential to improve a lot more and that is what they are currently doing.”

Zachary Lagha remembers it: “It was a big leap when we started training here. We quickly learned new, more complex footwork and our programs evolved a lot.”

Lajoie is studying to become an actress, while Lagha is already a talented classical pianist. These artistic gifts are evident on the ice. “We are always telling a story on the ice, and what I have learned from my teachers about interpreting emotions and intentions has helped me to create these characters,” explained the skater.

“For me, the piano certainly helps me to better understand music, to be able to capture the emotion, especially this year with the program we have [to music from Richard Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto],” underlined her partner. “I recently played a Tchaikovsky concerto in competition, a difficult piece, very philosophical, which includes a little bit of Russian history- Tchaikovsky’s as well.  The beginning is joyful, but then we see a lot of vulnerability.  It’s the same sensibility that helps me on the ice.”

Even if Lagha thinks that the team could make a great deal more progress in terms of interpretation, the skaters are also working tirelessly on the technical side of their skating.

“The steps are complex. The sequences difficult, but the goal is to make it all look easy,” explained Lajoie.

Lauzon underlined that Lajoie and Lagha are among the most hardworking teams on the ice: “They always want to be there and work a lot.  They do countless repetitions in order to look after every detail in their programs and it really shows.”

“When you are passionate, you don’t count the hours,” assures Lagha,

who is also pursuing his studies in university.  “It’s when you don’t have a goal that it is difficult to be motivated. We have very clear goals and we know what to do to reach them, there is only one way: work.”

With The Best

Canadian figure skating is currently in a state of change with the retirement of many champions and the arrival of a new generation of aspiring stars. Lajoie and Lagha are among them.

“The goal is to go all the way,” assured Lajoie. “We want to go to the Olympics, to the major competitions, but at the same time that is a long ways away and we prefer to focus on the short term with specific goals that allow us to concentrate on what we need to do without losing our heads.”

At 18 and 19 years old respectively, Lajoie and Lagha could continue to compete at the junior level next season. But after three national titles, victories on the Junior Grand Prix and appearances at Junior Worlds, they feel ready to make the transition up to seniors.

It’s not the high level of ice dance in Canada and elsewhere that scares them.  Every day at Dubreuil and Lauzon’s international skating school they train alongside many of the best teams in the world at the Gadbois center.

“Sometimes it’s necessary to set very high goals, almost unrealistic, to breakthrough to the next level, even if you don’t reach them,” explained Lagha. “We don’t want to be left behind in the junior ‘trap’. Many skaters have had wonderful careers at the junior level, but they never had the same success afterward.”

“We are already seen a little bit like seniors and that is the effect that we want to give on the ice.  We are young, but at the same time, we don’t have time to lose.” - Majorie Lajoie

Junior worlds in Zagreb could therefore be the last junior competition for Lajoie and Lagha. They will face the three teams of Russian skaters that beat them in December at the Junior Grand Prix Final in Vancouver. The Canadians missed the podium by three hundredths of a point…

“At the moment, we aren’t thinking to much about the results because there are still so many things to incorporate at technical level,” underlined Lagha. “When we are on the ice, it’s true that we are going there to win, it’s the goal for the competition, but we especially want to have a good performance, to get our technical levels and to please our coaches.”

“Honestly, if our coaches are happy, I think that we will have reached our goal.”

[wherespacepooh]

Yuzuru Hanyu | 2018.2.27 Post-Olympic Press Conference at Japan National Press Club

Translated and subbed by gladi and tadaki. Please don’t reupload.

“If ‘Yuzuru Hanyu’ were to challenge 4.5 or 5 revolutions... I will definitely make them a part of my expression... Because that is my style“ (14:00)

One of the most enjoyable interviews I have ever watched ― Yuzu’s brilliance and quick wit were on full display during this 50-minute press conference, his fifth media outing that day. I am 100% in agreement with the gushing report from JNPC of the event, translation included below. Apologies for the tardiness and the video quality, Youtube/Asahi blocked all other versions and we have tried 10, 20 of them. It is worth the wait though, the press conference was just THAT GOOD. As always, much love + respect to @tadakixd, thanks for working together with me :3 ― gladi

Perfection! Our hats off to a complete lack of weaknesses https://www.jnpc.or.jp/archive/conferences/35057/report

It was a great press conference. I’ve been part of the planning committee for 8 years, dealing with sports-related press conferences at the club, but never have I seen as perfect a speaker. Taking a mix of brilliant and some not-so-brilliant questions in stride, he shone like a diamond – his answers brimming with confidence and ready wit.

According to staff of the secretariat overlooking the venue from above, the full house of reporters and club members hung onto Hanyu’s every word, nodding their heads in unison. His performance on ice draws the audiences from the stands into his own world. It was the same here.

The moderator was Toshio Shimada from NHK – veteran, astute, shrewd. Despite being barely half his size, Hanyu looked big. Surely that was due to his presence. Just sitting there, one could feel his aura – I dare say, a first since Shigeo Nagashima (former baseball player; legendary Uniform #3 for the Yomiuri Giants). What’s more, there were no gaps in this one’s words.

On the virtual lack of weaknesses, we’ve heard such impressions: “Almost scary” “A fairy grounded in reality.”  In view of the onmyoji from his free program, it is as if [he casts magic] even off the ice. Maybe, perhaps.

Case in point, when asked about the whereabouts of the massive number of Pooh toys thrown into the rink after his performance, “back to the forest” was the answer, inducing the entire room into laughter. He continued, “Those are words I love. My favourite fantasy!” but it didn’t end there. “Realistically speaking, people are spending huge amounts of money in order to buy tickets and to get to the venue. All this money is flying in the air. If the economy is invigorated, that is plenty.”

Speaking of dreams, a take on life elaborated off the reels. From a heart of gratitude, going into his pride as a Japanese. Regarding his next challenges, the Quad Axel and the quintuple jumps, “If Yuzuru Hanyu were to jump, absolutely I would jump as part of my expression. Because that is my style” – an unwavering outlook on competition. His loneliness at the top of the world and its conquest. So much that couldn’t be included here, we implored the secretariat for an early release of the full transcript.

Even if questions are said to be suggested ahead of time, even if told to prepare a draft of the answers, it’s impossible to write a manuscript. We take our hats off.

And then, regarding the Beijing Olympics in four years’ time, an assertion: “If I were to participate, I absolutely want to win."

At the press conference, it was said that the Chinese embassy presented Hanyu with a panda plush toy. As a "Welcome to Beijing as well!", probably. The worry here would be... once again, Pooh's whereabouts. In China, Pooh is used for satire as it is said to look like Xi, and thus its impression has been regulated. 2022 is right at the end of Xi's second term. Would Pooh, as the symbol of Hanyu's fans, be welcomed into Beijing?

Ikurou Beppu Planning Committee, JNPC     Sankei Shimbun Special Correspondent

[drag0ness]

Chinese National Figure Skating Championships: Sui Wenjing/Han Cong Will Appear

THERE 2 ARTICLES WITHIN THIS POST

Dec 11 Article:

The Chinese Figure Skating Association has published their list of entries for the Chinese Figure Skating Championships. Sui Wenjing/Han Cong appear on the list, this will be their season debut. Something else to note is that the figure skating talent Beverly Zhu who just joined the Chinese training team in September, is also listed as a participant.

This year's National Championships will be held 12/29-12/30 in Harbin, China with all of the main domestic skaters participating. Sui Wenjing/Han Cong were on the list of participants. After the Pyeongchang Olympics, Sui Wenjing withdrew from all their international competitions due to injury, this will be their first appearance of the season.

Right now Sui/Han are training in Shougang, they will be bringing brand new programs to Harbin. The head choreographer, Lori Nichols, says that one of the programs has a very modern feel. Sui Wenjing also shared that they made a program with a Chinese feel. "It will have a lot of new, distinctive choreography, I hope everyone will like it."

In addition to Sui/Han, Peng Cheng/Jin Yang who just won silver at the Grand Prix Final are also set to compete. Also, Yu Xiaoyu/Hao Zhang who are currently training in Beijing are also bringing brand new programs to Nationals, however they are only here as a test.

Jin Boyang and Zhang He will be leading the mens' competition with 11 other men, in comparison with the ladies where there are way more entries. The list of entries include An Xiangyi, Cheng Hongyi and many other young competitors. A notable entry is Zhu Yi (Beverly Zhu), the 2002-born Chinese American figure skating talent who will be participating in her first domestic competition.

At US Nationals earlier this year, Beverly Zhu won the novice title with 35 points over second place, touted as a future figure skating champion. In September of this year, Beverly Zhu officially joined the Chinese National Training Team that is led by China's former representative figure skater, Lu Chen.

Dec 25 Article:

The Chinese National Figure Skating Champions will be happening on 12/29-12/30 in Harbin, China. During this competition, Sui Wenjing/Han Cong, Peng Cheng/Jin Yang, Jin Boyang, Wang Shiyue/Liu Xinyu, An Xiangyi, Zhu Yi (Beverly Zhu) will be making appearances.

Sui Wenjing/Han Cong who won the Pairs Silver at the Pyeongchang Olympics have been in recovery for their injuries for the first half of the season. As they recover, they have gotten their programs choreographed and have been easing back into training. The National Championships will be their first competition since the Olympics.

"Originally, we had intended on Four Continents in February 2019 being Sui/Han's return to competition but by having them participate in the National Championships, they can gradually get a feel for the ice again," said Shen Xue, the president of the Chinese Figure Skating Association. Sui Wenjing/Han Cong are reported to only perform their Short Program here.

In the first half of the international season, with their teammates sitting out, Peng Cheng/Jin Yang were tasked with representing Chinese pairs alone this season. They performed well at both of their GP assignments to make the final. They won the silver at GPF with great performances in the short and free program. Right now, Peng Cheng/Jin Yang are diligently preparing for the National Championships, they are hoping to repeat their good performances and show everyone 2 perfect programs.

Additionally, Olympians Yu Xiaoyu/Zhang Hao who also took off the first half of the season will be participating. Wang Xuehan/Wang Lei, Tang Feiyao/Yang Yongchao will also be contenders for the podium.

For the ladies' singles competition, Chinese Grand Prix [T/N: domestic competition, not actual GPs] ladies champion An Xiangyi had 2 new programs choreographed after the competition in September. Zhu Yi (Beverly Zhu), the Chinese-American figure skating talent, will be competing domestically for the first time.

Two-time world medalist, Jin Boyang, did not perform very well at his 2 GP assignments this season to make the GPF. Now that he is competing at home, [I] believe that he will be motivated to perform well and prove himself.

Two Chinese ice dance teams of Wang Shiyue/Xinyu Liu and Cheng Hong/Sun Zhuoming have been training in Canada with the legendary coaches of Dubreuil/Lauzon since the summer. They are specially returning from Canada to participate in the National Championships and this will be their first time competing domestically this season.