Shoma Uno: “Malinin is skating in a different dimension from me, and that is an undeniable fact. I was desperate to keep up, but my best effort couldn’t match what is usual for him.”
Translation of Shoma Uno’s comments about 2024 World Championships.
original source: number.bunshun.jp 27th March 2024 by Akiko Tamura
Here’s a translation of Shoma Uno’s comments about his performance at the 2024 World Championships made in the interview posted on Sports Graphic NumberWeb.
“I’ve been able to accumulate practice sessions up to today during which I don’t have to think, ‘I should have done more.’ While today’s results didn’t go as planned, despite having attempted what I thought was optimal, I thought this was characteristic of me. Including both the fact that I wasn’t able to make necessary adjustments on the most important occasion despite all my preparations, and the fact that I was able to give a genuinely good performance in the short program, the championships is going to be a memorable one, and it makes me feel quite refreshed,” Uno said.
Coming into the mixed zone after the free program, Uno said, “However, I had wanted to give a performance that would genuinely please Stephan [Lambiel]…of course, he would tell me that I fought well, but I still wanted to give a performance that would make him truly delighted.”
Answering a questin wether he’s upset about missing the podium, Shoma said, “Isn’t it fair? The competition was that high level. My practice up until today wasn’t filled with regret, and I think the performance, as a result, was a jump content that couldn’t be helped. It is unfortunate because I had been focusing on my jumps, but I will also be participating in the show, so I think there will be a moment when I can show both my jumps and expressions in front of everyone and I hope I can embody that on the spot.”
She also answered a question about Ilia Malinin. “Well…it feels like ‘Keep it going, Shun Sato, Kao Miyura, and Yuma, do your best from now on,’ Uno answered, and the reporters burst into laughter. ‘Honestly, I thought it was pretty wild,’ he said with a slightly serious expression.
“Even on the backstage, he got along well with me, even though I can’t speak English, and I think he will continue to build an era. He is a really kind and talented skater…I can’t say anything other than amazing.”
Does he not desire to compete against Malinin again? Uno replied:
“No way. I have done my utmost. I think I have practiced jumping more than anyone. Perhaps more than anyone who is currently competing. I’ve really done a considerable amount of jumps, but even so, there are times when it doesn’t go well in a competition, which of course contains an element of luck. He is skating in a different dimension from me, and that is an undeniable fact. I was desperate to keep up, but my best effort couldn’t match what is usual for him. That is a fact.”
“But Yuma is also steadily improving his expressiveness and he already has such high-quality jumps. As they are all good guys, I hope they can keep up the friendly rivalry and do their best.”
As for the plans for the future, Uno replied, “I’d like to reconsider my own situation. I can’t declare anything here. Once I calm down, I will talk about it properly.”
Related topics: Ilia Malinin, Shoma Uno, world championship
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