Question from the readers:
Why is Kageyama-kun not feeling well? To be honest, I’m a fan of Yuzu, so I’m happy to see Sato-kun doing his best, but I’m worried that if things continue like this, we’ll end up losing to the United States.
Kageyama-kun’s Condition and the Match Against the USA
Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot about Kageyama’s not
feeling well. Particularly, fans of Yuzu have been expressing their concerns. I also believe that his talent is amazing when I watch his performances, and attempting high-difficulty jumps must put a great deal of mental pressure on him. Yesterday, when I watched the team competition, I got to see Kageyama’s performance up close, and it was truly impressive. While it was unfortunate that he fell on the quadruple flip, the fact that he attempted such a difficult jump is commendable. I believe that this spirit of challenge is what will lead to his growth.
Sato-kun’s Efforts and the Strength of the American Team
I heard that Sato-kun competed while running a fever of 38 degrees Celsius and chose to lower his difficulty. It was truly moving to see him perform at that level despite not being in perfect condition. His performance was just as wonderful as Kageyama’s, and the scores were nearly identical. I realized just how significant the PCS (Program Component Score) advantage is. However, it’s not easy for the Japanese team to defeat the American team. The American team has top competitors in every event. Particularly in ice dance, there are many hardworking athletes, but the reality is that results have not been forthcoming. I strongly feel that Japan needs to grow more in this area.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
As a final challenge for this season, Kageyama’s decision to incorporate high-difficulty elements into his program will certainly serve as a significant foundation for next season. Although there were failures, continuing to challenge himself should lead to improvements in his skills. Personally, I also want to move forward without fear of failure when trying something new. Now, what kind of experiences do you all have? If you have any challenges you’ve faced or insights you’ve gained, I’d love for you to share in the comments. I believe that by sharing our experiences, we can have even more enjoyable conversations.
