“I realized that the place where we skaters can give our all is not just in competition” Shoma Uno about his retirement
Shoma Uno about his retirement.
original source: number.bunshun.jp dd.25th June 2024 by Mie Noguchi
In the interview posted on Sports Graphic Number Web, Shoma Uno shares his feelings about his retirement from competitive sport. Here’s a translation of his comments.
A week after the retirement press conference on an early summer afternoon, Shoma Uno (26) laughed and said, “The sunlight coming in through the clouds is dazzling because I’ve been living a life without going outside.”
“I wanted that press conference to be as enjoyable as possible. I wanted to create an atmosphere for those who would watch the live stream when they heard the word “retirement”. I raised the tone and the tension more than usual,” he said about the press conference that was in a talk show format with the host.
“There may have been fans who were saddened by my retirement. But I wanted to tell them, “I’m not sad.”
When asked about the most memorable moment in his skating life, a moment that is like a treasure’, he recalled, “The moment I was asked that question, I looked back on what has happened so far. At first, I thought newer memories would come to mind, but what actually came up was the face of Stephane (Lambiel) when I won my first World Championships in 2022.”
“I’m not the type to feel extremely happy even when I win, so seeing Stephane next to me exploding with joy made me feel, “Oh, I did quite an impressive thing, didn’t I? I’m glad.” Actually, when I won the next year, his reaction was completely different, it was just like, “Well done!” I thought, “So this is what it’s like the second time, people get used to it,” so I guess the first time was the best (laughs).”
“When the ’22-’23 season began, Yuzuru (Hanyu) and Nathan (Chen) were not there. I had good results that season, but I felt, “I was able to grow so much because I was passionately chasing after something, but now I don’t feel that way about myself anymore.” He also said after winning his second Worlds, “I don’t feel as motivated as I did last year,” and “I want to participate in off-season shows and search for the place where I should be,” hinting at the possibility of turning professional.
Shoma also talked to Mao Asada about his feelings and Mao spoke about various feelings towards the end of her competitive life and her own experiences. He also went to see Mao’s show and saw the passion for himself. “She is fully committed to her skating even in a different place than competition. I realized that the place where we skaters can give our all is not just in competition.”
Related topics: Shoma Uno
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