Question from a reader:
What kind of person is Somingyu? I heard Nakata came in second place, but is he really that impressive? Also, from what I saw on Mezamashi TV, why are there so many empty seats at venues outside of Japan? Is figure skating still considered a minor sport globally?
The Charm of Somingyu and Figure Skating
Recently, while
watching a figure skating competition, I was really impressed by the performance of So Min-kyu. As the reigning world junior champion from last season, he is a highly anticipated athlete. His jumps are of excellent quality, and his upper body movement is remarkable. Watching his performance felt like he was completely in sync with the music, creating a beautiful experience. Additionally, his costume resembled that of Hanyu’s “Ballade No. 1,” which caught my attention. I find that aspect contributes to the allure of figure skating. It’s not just about the beauty of the performance; the harmony between costumes and music is also an essential element.
Differences Between Japanese and International Figure Skating
It’s unfortunate to see so many empty seats at international competitions. In Japan, there are many enthusiastic fans, and the venues are lively, while overseas, the atmosphere feels a bit lonely. Perhaps figure skating is still perceived as a niche sport in some places. I would love to attend competitions outside of Japan, but it seems that the culture and interest in sports in those countries might play a significant role.
Min-kyu’s Performance and Nakata’s Program
While Nakata also delivered a wonderful performance, it seemed that Min-kyu’s short program had a slight advantage in terms of structure. He had a challenging jump combination of 3Lz+3T, which set him apart from Nakata’s 3T+3T. High base scores definitely provide an advantage. I looked into it myself, and I feel excited to see what new techniques he will showcase in his next performance.
In Conclusion
Watching figure skating conveys the athletes’ hard work and passion, which is truly moving. I hope to take my child to watch a competition someday, but who knows what the future holds… (laughs). What experiences do you all have with figure skating or sports watching? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
