“I was able to climb up from fourth place at Worlds as well. I think this is a moment to leverage that experience.” Kaori Sakamoto about her SP at the Grand Prix Final
Kaori Sakamoto about her performance in the short program the Grand Prix Final.
original source: Nikkansports / Nikkansports dd. 6th December 2024 by Matsumoto Wataru
Kaori Sakamoto (24), who finished forth in the short program at the Grand Prix Final commented on her performance and shared her thoughts about the short program. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
“I’m quite disappointed with the result,” she said. Although she successfully executed the opening double axel and started off smoothly, her triple lutz received deductions, and she fell during the triple flip-triple toe loop combination. Unable to capitalize on her speed, she reflected, saying she had been “too cautious.”
Although it was a tough start, she said, “I was able to climb up from fourth place in the World Championships as well. I think this is a moment to leverage that experience, so I want to switch firmly.”
After yesterday’s official practice she mention having some struggles with the toe loop jump, saying “The skating is smooth, and the rink glides really well without much effort. However, it feels a bit like sinking, and the toe jumps don’t seem to rebound as much. But I feel that doing it a bit more conservatively than usual in practice seems to work relatively well. “Not forcing it too much might work better,” I thought during today’s practice.”
Speaking on the areas of her focus in trainings before the Final, Kaori mentioned: “Uh, the short program is going through its “reluctant phase” (laughs). I inevitably start feeling reluctant and averse when it comes to the short program. But just before coming here, that feeling subsided a lot — to the point where, even if I feel resistant, I’m able to perform. Basically, I can do it despite feeling reluctant.”
When asked what is the cause of this reluctance, she replied “Hmm, I wonder why. But this feeling has been dragging on year by year, I felt it last year and the year before too.”
Kaori also told that this feeling isn’t connected with the music, “Probably, the short program just feels tougher to me. Initially, the free program is harder, but once you get used to it, I start feeling more frustrated with the short program, which means the free program has significantly improved. Well, the free program still allows more opportunities to jump and then have steps or spins. There are more choreographic elements and preparation in the free program where you can catch your breath. But in the short program, those moments are absent. It’s really tough because it’s truly packed with elements, and it really becomes a battle of stamina. The fact that I feel this year after year suggests it’s pretty severe.”
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto
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