Azusa Tanaka and Shingo Nishiyama: “Olympics is our big goal. Japan is strong in men, women and pair skating, so there’s a very high potential for medals. But we in ice dance need to work exceptionally hard not to let them down, aiming for a better team medal.”
Interview with Japanese ice dancers Azusa Tanaka and Shingo Nishiyama.
original source: Tokyo Sports
In the interview posted om Tokyo Sports. Azusa Tanaka (19) and Shingo Nishiyama (23) known as “Azushin” spoke about competition with Utana Yoshida and Masaya Morita and aiming for the Olympics. The duo finished second at the Japanese Nationals. Here’s a translation.
Q: This season, Tanaka suffered a rib injury on the right side, but what gains came through this struggle?
Shingo Nishiyama: During the NHK Trophy, we hardly had any practice, but managing to perform flawlessly gave us confidence. We were able to show the results of our training at the Japanese Nationals after recovering from an injury, so I think that marked our growth.
Azusa Tanaka: Last season, the injury mentally exhausted me, but this year, I managed to accept it. I’m not sure if that’s good, but I feel like I’ve grown in that area.
Q: Both at the NHK Trophy and Nationals you lost to “Utamasa,” the pair of Utana Yoshida and Masaya Morita from Kinoshita Academy.
Shingo Nishiyama: Indeed, inside Japan, “Utamasa” is currently ahead of us. We are in a position where we need to catch up quickly, but having them as rivals is incredibly motivating in our daily practice.
Azusa Tanaka: They have a lot of experience as ice dancers. I believe that if we keep practicing diligently, we can surpass them. For now, our focus is on catching up through solid practice.
Q: How do you perceive your proximity to the Milan-Cortina Olympics?
Shingo Nishiyama: Although there is still a mountain of hard work ahead, I believe it’s within reach. Of course, the Milan Olympics is a significant goal for us, but we think that day-to-day practice and working hard will lead us to Milan.
Azusa Tanaka: Same here (laughs).
Q: What inspired you to aspire for the Olympics?
Shingo Nishiyama: When I was little, it was just a vague goal, but when I was training at the Cricket Club in Toronto, I saw other skaters going to the Olympics, including (two-time Olympic champion) Yuzuru Hanyu, and I had a strong desire to join those skaters. Probably around the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Azusa Tanaka: When I was a single skater, seeing Satoko Miyahara, who was training with us, compete at the Olympics really inspired me, as did my close friend Mana Kawabe going to the Olympics (2022 Beijing). It made me want to stand on the same stage.
Q: Finally, can you share your goals?
Shingo Nishiyama: Participating in the Milan Olympics is our big goal right now. Japan is strong in men’s and women’s singles and pairs, so there’s a very high potential for medals. But we need to work exceptionally hard in ice dance so as not to let them down, aiming for a better medal. In the individual event, I hope to fully experience the unique atmosphere of the Olympics and carry it forward beyond Milan.
Azusa Tanaka: Pretty much the same as Shingo. Participating in the Olympic individual event as a representative of Japan is incredibly tough, but if I can make it, I really want to enjoy the atmosphere and carry it forward. In the team event, I want to perform as well as possible and skate in a way that honors the Japanese team.
Related topics: Azusa Tanaka, Shingo Nishiyama
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