“There are many other things to focus on besides the 4A… I’m actually more interested and excited about attempting quintuple jumps than the 4A.” Yuma Kagiyama interviewed by Shoma Uno
Yuma Kagiyama about his goals and motivation.
original source Nikkansports / Nikkansports
Ahead of the Japanese Nationals, on the 14th, Fuji TV broadcast a special program “6 Days Until the Opening! Legend Shoma Uno’s First Interview ‘Words to Connect to the New Era.'” Yuma Kagiyama (21), was interviewed by Shoma Uno (27), who retired last season. Here’s a translation of the interview posted on Nikkansports.
Uno asked, “Among all the Nationals you’ve competed in, which one stands out the most in your memory?”
Kagiyama replied, “Definitely last year. Everyone performed their best. It was a divine competition. We just have to give our all.” And Uno expressed high expectations for the upcoming Nationals, which he will not be competing in for the first time: “I believe that everyone will give their 100%. It should be an incredible contest like last year.”
Shoma was curious about Yuma’s Olympic aspirations: “Yuma, I’d like to know what you’re aiming for in the Olympics. It’s important to understand the challenges and goals.”
Kagiyama said, “Of course, I aim to win at the Olympics. But more than that, I want to perform my best, showcasing all my skills, including new ones like the quad lutz, and be satisfied with my performance.”
The conversation also touched on the current world champion, Ilia Malinin. Kagiyama commented, “He seems invincible (laughs). But he has struggled in his own way, and his technical skills are extraordinary, often scoring over 300 points in most competitions. It’s like he’s reaching a new personal best every time. While the right path to victory isn’t clear yet, if we continue to enhance our skills, perhaps we can catch up someday.”
Regarding the quad axel, Uno mentioned, “I think Yuma can compete even without the 4A,” and asked, “Is the 4A something you want to challenge yourself with?” To which Kagiyama responded, “There are many other things to focus on besides the 4A… I’m actually more interested and excited about attempting quintuple jumps than the 4A.”
In the latter part of the conversation, Kagiyama had some questions for Uno.
Kagiyama: “At the Grand Prix Series’ fifth event in Finland, I faltered. I had been training well, but the performance didn’t go as planned… What did you put your belief in when you were training?”
Uno: “In terms of concentration during competitions, Yuma, you are better than me. Since becoming a senior, you’ve been perfect in competition. Since I moved up to seniors, I’ve never had a mistake-free free skate in any competition, not even once (laughs). I get really down about it, but it doesn’t seem like you panic. Ever since I started looking at failures not as negatives but just as something to deal with, I felt much more at ease. It’s commonly thought that athletes must look cool and behave in a certain way, but I think it’s okay to ‘run away’ sometimes. I just hope everyone can continue without injuries and keep skating for a long time.”
Toward the end, Uno asked, “What is the goal in your skating career?”
Kagiyama: “It’s not about the results for me. Sure, results are part of the experience that helps me grow, but they are not my ultimate goal. What will happen and what my goals are… I don’t even know myself.”
Uno: “I wonder how I would answer if asked. What is your biggest motivation?”
Kagiyama: “Among various things, it’s the existence and support of the people around me, like Sato and Miura. Their presence has been significant. I still value them, and they motivate me.”
Related topics: Shoma Uno, Yuma Kagiyama
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