Shun Sato: “Since I had often been finishing second or third, I certainly aimed higher. I definitely wanted to win in one of the Grand Prix, so I think it was good that I managed to achieve that.”
Shun Sato on winning Cup of China 2024.
original source: Nikkansports / Nikkansports / Nikkansports dd. 24th November 2024 by Kengo Abe
Rino Matsuike (20) commented on winning Cup of China 2024 and qualifying to the Grand Prix Final. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
“The performance felt very good,” he told after the short program. “Usually, I struggle with keeping my axis stable, but today I managed to jump straight right from the lutz.” However, his got only Level 2 for the step sequence. “I couldn’t achieve the cluster in the second half. Moving towards the wall caused the level to drop,” he analyzed calmly.
Shun also compared the sizes of the ince in China and in Canada where he competed erlier in the season. “It feels a bit larger. The venue itself is very big, but because of that, the space felt larger. I feel like I need to skate broadly to utilize the entire rink, so I hope I can make good use of the vast ice space.”
He also admitted being quite nervous, saying “Well, the excitement of the venue was incredible, and I felt very nervous before starting. However, I was nervous inside, but I think I managed to switch and concentrate well. Even the lutz, which usually might have been a failed jump, I managed to land it. I think it’s much to do with the results of my regular practice and a significant change in my mindset from before.”
When asked whnat hs changed about his approach, Shun Sato told: “I’d say my competitive strength. I used to often worry about making mistakes or dwell on negative thoughts. But recently, I genuinely don’t think about that at all. Instead of thinking ‘I need to land it’ or ‘Will it be okay?’, I’m not thinking anything and just skating, incorporating the lutz into my routine as usual. I feel that this mindset has been beneficial.”
Shun Sato aimed for his sirst GP victory this season saying, “Since I had often been finishing second or third, I certainly aimed higher. Of course, everyone aims to win, and this season I definitely wanted to win in one of the Grand Prix series, so I think it was good that I managed to achieve that. When I was continually finishing second or third, I was telling myself it’s not okay to be satisfied with second place. I always thought the goal should be first place.”
Speaking about the Finals and aspects of his skating he wants to improve, Shun told: “With about a week left, I felt there were many aspects of the whole program that could be polished after watching the video. I thought my movements were a bit stiff at the beginning, so it would have been better if I could have moved more broadly. That’s something I want to work hard on at the Finals.”
As for the the other goals, he told: “Certainly, winning the Japanese Nationals and getting a medal at the World Championships are my goals. Additionally, this season I am attempting a four-quad layout, so my immediate goal is to deliver a flawless performance with this layout.”
Related topics: Cup of China, grand prix, Shun Sato
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