“I envision the first chapter of my skating life as an athlete, the second as a show skater, and the third I wish to challenge myself as a coach.” Mao Asada about opening her ice rink
Mao Asada about opening her rink.
original source: sportiva.shueisha.co.jp dd. 10th November
On November 8th, the opening ceremony was held for “MAO RINK TACHIKAWA TACHIHI” in Tachikawa, Tokyo, a skating rink produced to Mao Asada’s specifications and named after her. It is said to be the first figure skating rink in Japan to be named after an individual. Mao comments were posted in an article on Web Sportiva. Here’s a translation of her comments.
“Creating ‘MAO RINK’ has been my dream since I was a child. Today, I am relieved and happy that the opening event for ‘MAO RINK TACHIKAWA TACHIHI’ was completed without any problems. I am also determined to continue working hard in my future activities to ensure that ‘MAO RINK’ remains beloved forever,” she told.
“I also hope that ‘MAO RINK’ becomes a place filled with smiles from many people. Creating skaters who can compete and become the best in the world from this rink is my next goal. Today, I performed with many children and conducted a skating class. Indeed, the smiles of the children were shining, and I was truly happy to see them skating at ‘MAO RINK’,” Moa spoke about the opening and her goals.
“‘MAO RINK’, designed with a stylish appearance incorporating compulsory patterns, includes an international-standard main rink with a permanent seating capacity of 1,000 for holding competitions and ice shows, as well as a sub-rink with a wall of windows offering views of cherry blossoms in full bloom during the spring, and a training room with a terrace (gym equipment to be installed later). The facility also includes a studio suitable for practicing ballet and dance,” was said in the article.
According to Mao, she has a particularly strong attachment to the sub-rink. “The sub-rink is designed with the hope that children can experience the four seasons even while skating. Its exterior features a classical design, and it incorporates the colors gold, silver, and bronze, reflecting my wish for athletes who train here to win medals at the Olympics. The gold panels are adorned with compulsory patterns, packing in all my hopes. I believe it’s the best skating rink in the world, so it would be extremely fulfilling if skaters from here in Tachikawa Tachihi were to go on and achieve global success.”
Continuing to embrace new challenges at 34 years old, Asada speaks with sparkling eyes about her undiminished enthusiasm. “I envision the first chapter of my skating life as an athlete, the second as a show skater, and the third I wish to challenge myself as a coach. Although I am still skating as a show skater and my coaching journey hasn’t started yet, reaching today signifies that I’m progressing towards that third chapter. The schedule for the next ice show hasn’t been decided yet, but we’re currently making various adjustments. I would like to host a new ice show at ‘MAO RINK.'”
Related topics: Mao Asada
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