Question from a reader:
What kind of person is Somingyo? It seems Nakata got second place, but is he really that amazing? Also, from what I saw on Mezamashi TV, why are there so many empty seats at venues outside of Japan? Is figure skating considered a minor sport globally?
Memories of Somingyo
Recently, figure skating has been a hot topic.
It seems that Somingyo is attracting a lot of attention, and reading everyone’s comments, I can feel the passion for his performances. I recently watched his performance for the first time, and indeed, the quality of his jumps was outstanding! His upper body movements were also very refined, as if he was one with the music. His routine set to a piano piece warmed my heart while watching.
The Power of the Defending Champion
It’s understandable that Nakata came in second place. The fact that Somingyo was the reigning World Junior Champion last season was very impressive. Regarding the composition of the short program, Somingyo’s 3Lz+3T had a high base value, showcasing his technical skills. I often find myself discussing with friends during breaks at the rink, asking, “Who do you think is better?” and surprisingly, we get quite passionate about it.
Reflections on the Empty Seats
I was also curious about the comments regarding the empty seats at overseas venues. Indeed, it’s noticeable that there are often empty seats at competitions outside Japan. This might suggest that figure skating is still considered a minor sport on a global scale. I recall feeling a bit sad when I went to watch a competition with friends and the venue was almost empty. The enthusiasm of Japanese fans is truly remarkable. Every time I watch recent figure skating competitions, I can feel the athletes’ hard work and passion. It makes us, the viewers, want to support their growth. What about you all? Which athletes do you like? If you have any memorable episodes or thoughts while watching competitions, please share them in the comments!
