Shun Sato: “This injury was the worst possible start to the season. My goal is to turn this experience into something positive by season’s end, where I can say, ‘The injury helped me grow.’”
Shun Sato marked his first competition of the season at the MGC Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Ice Arena Trophy.
original source: Nikkansports, August 30th, 2025 by Katsube Kota / Nikkansports August 30st, Nikkansports August 31st
Shun Sato (21) returned to competition for the first time this season on August 30 at the MGC Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Ice Arena Trophy in Niigata Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
After scoring 84.09 points in the Short Program (SP), Sato claimed the top spot with flawless performances of a triple loop, a quadruple toe-triple toe combination, and a triple axel. Reflecting on his successful SP, Sato smiled and said, “I’m genuinely relieved to be competing in this tournament.”
Sato had been sidelined with a bone contusion on his right ankle after sustaining an injury during late June’s “Dream on Ice” exhibition. While he resumed on-ice training about a month ago, he only began practicing jumps two weeks prior. Sato still experiences intermittent pain and has yet to perform flips or lutz jumps due to concerns about placing additional strain on the affected area. Nevertheless, he was optimistic about his SP performance: “It made me feel positive, and I hope to include lutzes and flips by next week as I pursue a full recovery.”
On August 31, Sato rounded off his season debut with a commanding performance in the free skate, earning a combined score of 239.44 points to win the competition. Featuring his new free program set to The Firebird, Sato executed exceptional jumps, including a quadruple toe-triple toe combination, a solo quadruple toe loop, and two triple axels, while strategically avoiding flips and lutzes. “I’m pleased I was able to deliver the planned structure for the program,” Sato said, securing his victory with another top score following the previous day’s SP.
Looking ahead to his next event, the Lombardia Trophy in Italy (September 12–14), Sato emphasized the importance of pacing himself through the upcoming Olympic season. “Every competition this season will be crucial. I want to train diligently and aim to incorporate either the lutz or flip for the next event,” he said, underscoring his determination to advance through difficult circumstances.
Interview Highlights:
Reflecting on his performance: “It was the first competition of the season, and while some elements were scaled back, I performed without any mistakes, which I think was great.”
How he managed his injury: “After the injury, I spent three full weeks off the ice focusing on treatment and rehabilitation. About a month later, I started skating again, initially without jumps. Intensive practice only resumed about a week and a half ago, with triple jumps starting just two weeks ago.”
Choosing this competition for his return: “I had hoped to participate in the Tokyo Summer Championships and Summer Trophy, but the injury prevented me from competing. Even for this event, it was uncertain until the very last moment whether I’d be able to enter. I’m glad my condition improved enough to participate.”
Overcoming setbacks: “From my perspective, this injury was the worst possible start to the season. My goal is to turn this experience into something positive by season’s end, where I can say, ‘The injury helped me grow.’ During the recovery period, I focused on skating techniques and land-based training. I want this season to be one where I can say, ‘Thanks to that time spent recovering, I had a great season.’”
On managing urgency: “Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel impatient. But I also believe that controlling urgency is part of my skill set as an athlete. I’ve been focusing on recovering fully while managing the desire to push too quickly.”
Related topics: Shun Sato
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