Yuna Aoki: “After deciding to continue as an active competitor this season, I’ve been trying to cherish every single day. I believe I have nothing to lose, so I want to make it a year of challenges.”
Yuna Aoki on her performance at the NHK Trophy 2024.
original source: Nikkansports dd. 10th November / Nikkansports dd. 10th November 2024 by Katsube Kota
Yuna Aoki (22) commented on her performance at the NHK Trophy and winning bronze. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
Making a strong start in a short program by securing third place with a personal best score of 69.78 points and executed all three jumps successfully she noted, “Being able to finish without failing any jumps is the best thing, but I also managed to maintain my concentration and put emotion into my expressions.”
“The lift-off for the lutz wasn’t 100%, so I was a bit nervous, but it was good that I could perform the loop, which I had been practicing,” she said.
“After Skate America, I was feeling a bit down, but I think I’ve prepared well now, so I felt my body was moving well during today’s practice,” she told.
Aoki made her first-ever podium finish, including in the Junior GP, improving from a seventh-place at Skate America to third. However, she reflected, “It wasn’t a satisfying score for me”.
When asked to compare last year’s NHK Trophy compared to this year’s competition Aoki replied, “Last year, I was truly considering retirement, so I thought of it as possibly my last international competition. I just wanted to enjoy it. This time, since I had a good result last year, I have a goal to surpass myself, so I want to aim to achieve a personal best.”
She also admitted that last year’s NHK was a turning point for her, saying “I can’t forget the view I had at last year’s NHK Trophy, and that played a decisive role in my decision to continue my career. It’s a competition that really means a lot to me.” So despite having decided to retire after the last season, she reversed her decision to continue competing. “I’ve continued because it’s what I wanted to do. A stronger will has sprouted in me towards skating.”
“After deciding to continue as an active competitor this season, I’ve been trying to cherish every single day. I believe I have nothing to lose, so I want to make it a year of challenges. I’m always focused on doing my best so that I have no regrets,” she shared.
Yuna also shared that loud cheers at the venue boosted her spirits. “Seeing many Japanese flags during the six-minute practice, just like last year, empowered me.”
Related topics: grand prix, NHK Trophy, Yuna Aoki
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