Shun Sato: “I told myself that by the end of the season, I want to be able to say, ‘Thanks to the injury, I was able to grow,’ and turn it into a positive.”
Shun Sato Triumphs at Grand Prix China, Overcoming Injury to Build Momentum for Olympic Qualification
original source: Nikkansports, October 25th 2025 by Katsube Kota / Nikkansports, October 26th 2025 by Katsube Kota
Shun Sato (21) claimed his second consecutive Grand Prix win at the Cup of China, overcoming injury setbacks and rebuilding his confidence for the Olympic season as he prepares to challenge for his first Olympic qualification at the Japan Championships later this year. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports.
“I didn’t expect to win, so I’m overjoyed,” he said.
Sato’s season began with hardship. During an ice show at the end of June, he suffered a right ankle injury that delayed his preparations for the critical Olympic qualification season. Though he returned to the ice by late July, it wasn’t until mid-August that he could resume jumps in practice. “The pain would come and go every day, almost like muscle soreness, but it kept haunting me,” Sato shared. The triple flip, which caused the injury, remains a mental hurdle, and he still avoids jumping it even in practice. Despite continuing to take painkillers, Sato’s determination carried him to success in Chongqing.
“I told myself that by the end of the season, I want to be able to say, ‘Thanks to the injury, I was able to grow,’ and turn it into a positive,” Sato explained. Unable to jump for a while, he focused on strengthening his upper body. By utilizing the pendulum movement of his upper body more effectively, his precision and stability on his axel jumps have improved compared to last season.
A fierce battle for Japan’s three Olympic spots will continue through December’s Japan NAtionals in Tokyo. The NHK Trophy, set for November 7–9 in Osaka, will be critical, as performances at the Grand Prix Final in December (Nagoya) weigh heavily in the final selection process. “I’m not worried anymore – I have no choice but to give everything I have. I trust in myself to consistently put in my best effort,” Sato said. Despite limited training sessions due to his injury – estimated to be only two-thirds of his regular preparation – Sato’s victory at the Cup of China illuminates his promising trajectory.
One day after his win, Sato expressed his readiness to face fears and take his technical content to the next level as he works toward the Japan Nationals – which could guarantee him an Olympic spot with a victory. The quadruple flip, a jump that caused his injury in June, remains a daunting challenge for the skater. Beyond his current program, which features one lutz and two toe loops, Sato hopes to reintroduce the flip to his repertoire, knowing its potential impact. “I’ve successfully landed both the lutz and flip simultaneously in past programs; I’m the only Japanese skater who’s done so. Bringing it back would give me a significant advantage – but for now, I’ll approach it cautiously and gauge my ankle’s condition as I practice again.”
Acknowledging the flip’s difficulty, Sato added, “I think tackling this fear will help not only with the flip but also my confidence in other jumps, including the lutz. I want to steadily relieve the anxiety step-by-step,” he said.
Sato’s next challenge will be the NHK Trophy, held at the Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome – a venue where he previously struggled, finishing seventh at last year’s Japan Nationals. He plans to stick with his current program layout for the competition but remains resolute: “It would mean a lot to compete there and achieve redemption for last year’s result. Competing in that atmosphere and overcoming the past will be significant for me.”
Related topics: Grand Prix of China, Shun Sato
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