Yuma Kagiyama: “It meant a lot to be able to showcase Turandot on an Italian stage. I felt the audience’s positive reactions. But I know I can do more. I had the sense that I could excite the crowd even more.”
Yuma Kagiyama reflects on Lombardia Trophy and updates ankle injury
original source: Nikkansports, September 15th, 2025 by Wataru Matsumoto
Yuma Kagiyama (22), who placed second at the Lombardia Trophy, shared updates on his injured left ankle and expressed his determination to perfect his programs ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports.
Competing on Italian soil, which will host the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Kagiyama performed his free skate to Turandot, a program with special significance for the skater. “It meant a lot to be able to showcase this on an Italian stage. I felt the audience’s positive reactions,” he said. “But I know I can do more. I had the sense that I could excite the crowd even more, so I hope to present a fully polished program, including my short program, when I return to Milan for the Olympics.”
In mid-August, Kagiyama sustained an injury to his left ankle during training. An immediate MRI revealed no bone damage but identified nerve-related issues. As a result, Kagiyama has limited his practice of the quadruple toe loop, which requires him to press off the ice with his left toe, to just one or two attempts per day.
Prioritizing his recovery, Kagiyama stated, “I don’t want to push myself too hard. With time before the Grand Prix Series, I aim to heal my ankle and restore my condition to its best.” His commitment to careful preparation reflects his focus on long-term success, particularly as the Olympic season approaches.
Related topics: Lombardia Trophy, Yuma Kagiyama
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