Rino Matsuike: “Last year’s success made me so happy, so I’m hoping to stand on the podium again this time.”
Rino Matsuike Shows Solid Preparation Ahead of Grand Prix China
original source: Nikkansports, October 23d, 2025 by Katsube Kota
Japanese figure skater Rino Matsuike is preparing for her Grand Prix debut of the Olympic season at the Grand Prix China with confidence and hopes of securing a spot on the podium. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
Rino Matsuike (21), who placed fifth at last season’s Japan Nationals, displayed promising form during an official practice session at the Grand Prix China.
During her 20-minute on-ice adjustment session at the venue, she noted the soft surface of the rink, describing it as “challenging ice.” However, during her run-through practice on October 23, she executed her free skate performance to The Nutcracker without any mistakes. Reflecting on her preparation, she said with a smile, “It’s reassuring to have landed all of my jumps this well so far. This is proof that my adjustments have been successful.”
This marks Matsuike’s first Grand Prix event of the Milan-Cortina Olympic season. Last year, she earned silver medals at both her Grand Prix assignments and qualified for the Final for the first time. This year, the competition will be particularly fierce, with reigning World Champion Alysa Liu and last year’s Grand Prix Final winner Amber Glenn among the competitors. Matsuike expressed her aspirations: “Last year’s success made me so happy, so I’m hoping to stand on the podium again this time.”
At the opening Grand Prix event in France, Japanese skaters Ami Nakai, Kaori Sakamoto, and Rion Sumiyoshi swept the podium. Matsuike is eager to ride the wave of success created by her teammates. “The pressure is definitely there, but if I can go out and skate the way I’ve been practicing, I think I’ll be in a good position,” she said confidently.
Related topics: Grand Prix de France, Rino Matsuike
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