Yuma Kagiyama: “This season, I want to try to catch up with Malinin, even surpass a bit in performance.”
Kaori Sakamoto about the upcoming season.
original source: Nikkansports / Hochi News
Yuma Kagiyana commented on her attitude and goals for the upcoming season and new programs. Here’s a translation of his comments.
At the Japanese team press conference held on the 30th in Tokyo for the opening of the 2024-25 figure skating season, Yuma Kagiayama announced that this season’s theme for him as “Mature and Passionate!”
Shoma Uno, who served as the host and is the special ambassador for the Fuji TV figure skating series, conveyed his excitement, “You already possess amazing expressive skills regardless of the genre of music you skate to. I am excited to see what kind of expressions you will show this year. Greatness is already visible even from now,” which delighted Kagiyama, who responded, “I am delighted. Since my junior years, I’ve admired how Shoma wasn’t confined to fixed expressions. Having areas of expertise is good, but by challenging myself with programs I’ve never attempted before, I can deeply understand myself and realize what I am capable of. By taking challenges, you realize what you’re capable of doing. And I find joy in that process.”
His new free program is his first attempt at a flamenco piece. In practice, in addition to working on the quadruple Llutz he repeatedly checks his arms movements and footwork in the mirror. “My goal is to perform any expression so well that people think ‘incredible.’ For both the SP and free, I aim to be more mature and hope the audience can feel the passion crafted from within,” he said.
Discussing the athletes he looks up to, he mentioned Ilia Malinin (USA), the world champion, and expressed his determination saying, “This season, I want to try to catch up, even surpass a bit in performance.” He revealed that he is currently practicing the quad lutz, stating, “In single attempts, it’s starting to feel very good. Now, I want to build more stamina and prepare to do it in a program it anytime.”
Related topics: Yuma Kagiyama
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