“I felt a bit guilty competing against young athletes, but I wanted to perform my best and make the audience happy. I hope they can see someone at 37 still jumping quads and think it’s impressive.” Nobunari Oda finished 4th at Nationals
Nobunari Oda about Japanese Nationals.
original source: Nikkansports / Nikkansports dd. 22d December 2024 by Katsube Kota
Nobunari Oda (37), who was in 5th place after the Short Program (SP), scored 150.15 points in the Free Program, totaling 234.68 points and finishing in 4th place. This competition marked his first appearance at Nationals in 11 years. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports.
After performing on the big stage, Oda reflected, ‘It was a nerve-wracking experience, the likes of which I hadn’t felt in 11 years, and it was a very valuable experience. I believe I gave it my all.’
He expressed his delight post-SP, saying, ‘I came into this with the mindset of landing a quad at 37, and I’m really happy that I succeeded.’
There’s also a translation of some of the Nobunari’s comments regarding the official practices also posted on Nikkansports.
“Q: How do you feel now after participating in the official practice for the Japanese Nationals?
Nobunari Oda: Honestly, it still feels quite surreal. It’s been 11 years since I last participated, but the event is being held in my hometown, which is a familiar place, so I think I was able to practice more calmly than I expected.
Q: Is this competition going to be your last?
Nobunari Oda: Yes, this will be my last time competing at Nationals. My knees and back can’t take it anymore (laughs). This year will be my last, but because it’s my last, I want to give it my all.
Q: You are competing alongside athletes who are about half your age.
Nobunari Oda: Are you calling me old? (laughs)
Q: It’s impressive. Do you have any messages you’d like to pass on to the younger athletes?
Nobunari Oda: The youngest athletes are probably around 14 or 15 years old, which is about the same age as my son. I feel a bit guilty competing against them, but I’m here to perform my best and make the audience happy. I hope that both the audience and the young competitors can see someone at 37 still jumping quads and think it’s impressive.
Q: Do you feel different from the last time you competed 11 years ago?
Nobunari Oda: Yes, I’m doing the same thing, but it feels a lot more fun now. I think I was much more pressured and tense 11 years ago than I am now. But every day I live with the thought, ‘What if I can’t do it tomorrow?’ Nevertheless, nothing matters if I don’t perform in the competition, so I want to nail it.
Q: It’s being held in a place that is special to you. How do you want to finish this competition?
Nobunari Oda: I now live in Osaka, and my family, who usually don’t come to watch competitions or ice shows, will all be coming to see me perform. They probably have no idea what I do on a daily basis, so I want to show them clearly through this competition.”
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