Yuna Aoki: “When the total scores came out, I thought that if I had pushed a little harder in the short program being on the podium wouldn’t have been just a dream, so there was some frustration.”

Posted on 2024-10-21 • No comments yet

 

Yuna Aoki on her performance at Skate America.

original source: Nikkansports / Nikkansports

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A post shared by Yuna Aoki (@yuna_skate)

Yuna Aoki (22), finished in 7th place at GP Skate America 2024 with a total of 183.03 points. Here’s a translation her comments posted on Nikkansports.

“I was able to show what I can do right now. I’m overwhelmed,” she said after the free program, putting her hands together over her chest right after her performance, visibly moved.

“Right after the Free Skate, I felt relieved thinking I had done my best. But when the total scores came out, I thought that if I had pushed a little harder in the short program… I mean, I did try hard (bitter smile). If it had gone a bit better, being on the podium wouldn’t have been just a dream, so there was some frustration. Feelings I hadn’t felt since my junior years started to resurface,” Yuna explained. “I never made it to the podium in the Junior GP. All my friends had. It reminded me of the frustration I hadn’t felt in a long time. Last year was good, but it made me truly realize the hardships and the struggles anew.”

This was her debut in an international GP series. She admitted to being quite nervous during the SP the day before, which led to several jump mistakes. Yuna even mentioned crying into her pillow, “I was crying the whole time, until about 5 in the morning (laughs).”

“I didn’t expect to receive such cheers here in America, and I’m incredibly happy and relieved. I’m glad I persevered through the four minutes,” she said with a smile about the support of the audience.

“Right now, it’s a bit difficult to stay immediately positive and upbeat. I have a lot of doubts about whether continuing was the right decision. Since I’ve come this far and made up my mind, I really want to do well in the remaining big competitions this season — the NHK Trophy and the Japanese Nationals.” Her next competition is the NHK Trophy in early November. “This time, I want to approach it confidently and satisfied with my condition,” she stated.

cover photo: Kota Yoshida / Mainichi


 

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