“I’m feeling more positive about this result than ever before. Each year, my scores are gradually improving, and the level of competition keeps rising too.” Rion Sumiyoshi on winning bronze at the Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row
Rion Sumiyoshi Claims Fourth Consecutive Bronze at Grand Prix France
original source: Nikkansports, October 18th, 2025 by Matsumoto Wataru, correspondent Matsumoto Aika
Rion Sumiyoshi, 22, secured the bronze medal for the fourth year in a row at the Grand Prix France, the first event of the 2025 Figure Skating Grand Prix Series. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
Japanese skaters dominated the podium, with Ami Nakai winning gold and Kaori Sakamoto claiming silver. Reflecting on hearing Japan’s national anthem during the medal ceremony, Sumiyoshi shared, “It made me realize again how strong Japanese skaters are. Being among them, I felt that I need to become even stronger.”
Sumiyoshi landed a quadruple toe loop despite under-rotation and delivered clean jumps throughout the rest of the program aside from converting a planned triple alchow into a double in the middle section. All three spins and the step sequence were awarded the highest Level 4, highlighting her technical precision.
About earning her fourth bronze medal in a row, Sumiyoshi stated, “I’m feeling more positive about this result than ever before. Each year, my scores are gradually improving, and the level of competition keeps rising too. I can feel that I’m keeping up, but I also know that I need to strengthen myself to the point where I can lead rather than just follow the pack.”
Sumiyoshi’s next competition will be at the Grand Prix Finland (November 21–23 in Helsinki), which will determine qualifications for the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya this December. Energized and focused on her goals, she expressed her determination to make the Final: “I think qualifying is absolutely essential for me. I believe I did everything I needed to in this competition, but now I need to prepare even better for Finland to avoid even the smallest mistakes.”
Related topics: Grand Prix de France, Rion Sumiyoshi
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