Questions from Readers:
I’m curious about the results of men’s figure skating. Why did things turn out the way they did? I’ve heard that many Japanese athletes made mistakes; could you elaborate on that?
Reflecting on the Results of Figure Skating
Recently, the results of men’s figure skating have been a hot topic. Given that many Japanese athletes made mistakes, I
took some time to think about why such results occurred. First of all, Shun Sato’s performance was truly impressive. When he began his routine with a smile, I couldn’t help but worry, “Is he going to be okay?” However, seeing him receive positive points for his opening Lutz gave me relief. The moment he scored an incredible 195 points from the judges and executed a clean quadruple Lutz was emotional. I am genuinely grateful for his efforts in the free skate as well. As for Kaikyama, he likely felt significant pressure. To step up as the first skater and manage to minimize mistakes while reaching the podium is genuinely remarkable. Even so, he seemed a bit down after hearing he placed second in the final segment, but I felt relieved knowing his hard work was rewarded. Moments like these are what make figure skating so fascinating.
Inner Conflicts of the Athletes
The pressure that athletes experience is likely beyond our imagination. Particularly striking was Sato’s expression when he said, “The weight of responsibility felt like it was on my back, and it was mentally tough to fight through.” It’s not hard to imagine how relieved he felt after finishing the competition. These experiences are what help athletes grow. As a psychology student in university, I often reflect on what pressure truly means. The tension felt during exams and presentations cannot compare to what athletes experience, yet I believe those moments when you think, “I can manage this,” are essential.
Hope for the Future
In any case, the fact that Japanese men’s singles secured three spots as a result of this competition is great news. I am increasingly excited to see how athletes like Kaikyama and Sato will continue to grow. I look forward to watching their performances in upcoming competitions. Lastly, watching figure skating allows me to reflect on my own challenges and growth. I would love for everyone to share their experiences and thoughts in the comments. No matter how small, sharing is appreciated. I would love to hear more discussions about the charm of figure skating.
