Sota Yamamoto: “I had a strong willingness to skate, so I made the decision to go forward. I’ll focus on recovering from the injury before chasing the level of performance I’m aiming for this season.”
Sota Yamamoto overcame a back injury to earn 84.98 points in the short program and secure third place at the Challenger Series Kinoshita Cup.
original source: Nikkansports, September 5th, 2025 by Daisuke Fujizuka
Sota Yamamoto (25) scored 84.98 points in the short program, placing third at the Challenger Series Kinoshita Cup. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports.
Despite not being at peak form, Yamamoto expressed gratitude for the support around him and is determined to give his best in the free skate.
He began with a quadruple toe loop and successfully landed a triple flip-triple toe loop combination as well as a triple axel. Smiling in relief, Yamamoto said, “Although the performance and program structure weren’t perfect, I think I managed to get through today thanks to the support of so many people.”
Yamamoto revealed after official practice on September 4 that he had sustained a lower back injury a week earlier. He carefully considered whether to participate up until the day of the SP but ultimately decided to compete, saying, “I had a strong willingness to skate, so I made the decision to go forward.” The free skate will take place on September 7, and Yamamoto stated, “I want to take care of my body and give it my all.”
Post-Performance Reflections
“Q: How do you feel about your performance?
Sota Yamamoto: It’s been a tough situation since the injury about a week ago. Honestly, it’s only thanks to intensive treatment and the support of so many people that I made it to today’s competition. That said, I don’t think the performance or layout was flawless, nor was it what I consider my best. For now, I feel like I managed to get through this competition, and I’ll focus on recovering from the injury before chasing the level of performance I’m aiming for this season.”
Q: Did the injury affect your jumps?
Sota Yamamoto: I felt some pain during warm-up up until the last moment, but with evaluations from several doctors, they assured me that it wasn’t a herniated disc as initially suspected. That gave me peace of mind to perform, and I managed to work through the discomfort. Right before the performance, I discussed the program layout with coach Machiko Yamada. Ultimately, I trusted my feelings on the ice and removed the quad salchow, focusing on what I could execute. The free skate has more elements, and it won’t be easy, but I’ll rest tomorrow and prepare myself the best I can for it.”
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