Shun Sato: “My goal isn’t just to participate in the Olympics; my biggest goal is to win a medal there. I want to work hard from here to make that dream come true.”
Shun Sato delivered a personal best performance to secure second place at the NHK Trophy, earning a spot in the Grand Prix Final and expressing determination to pursue an Olympic medal.
original source: Hochi News dd. 6th November, 2025
In the men’s free skate, Shun Sato, who was second after the short program, achieved a personal best of 189.04 points, finishing with a season-high total of 285.71 points and securing second place overall. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Hochi News.
Sato became the first Japanese man to qualify for the Grand Prix Final this season, following his win at the Cup of China. Sato nodded in satisfaction, saying, “I’m really happy. These are scores that lead to the Final.”
He landed all seven jumps, including three quadruple jumps. Although the planned quadruple-triple toe loop combination became a quadruple-double, he explained, “I made a good decision in the air.” In the second half, he successfully executed a triple axel–double axel sequence.
Sato also redeemed himself at the same venue where last year’s Nationals ended in disappointment. After starting sixth in the SP and finishing seventh in the free skate, he recalled, “It was too tough.” He was even taken to the medical room for hyperventilation after his performance. Before this event, he declared, “I want to deliver a wonderful performance for revenge,” and true to his words, he concluded the competition with a heartfelt performance and a smile.
“I think I was really able to jump all my jumps comfortably,” Sato said. “In the Cup of China, my jumps were clean, but I especially liked the flow from the steps to the choreography. I think I was able to move the most in this program.”
“I didn’t expect to get such high scores, and I’m happy to have updated my season’s best. I’m also grateful for all the applause I received,” he shared.
Talking about things he wants to improve going forward, Shun Sato mentioned “There’s a little time before the Final, so I want to work on the areas where I missed some levels in spins and steps this time.”
When asked about the Olympics, Sato said: “My goal isn’t just to participate in the Olympics; my biggest goal is to win a medal there. I want to work hard from here to make that dream come true.”
Looking ahead, Sato will compete in the Grand Prix Final and the Japanese Nationals (Tokyo) next month, both crucial for Olympic selection. “The Japanese Nationals are especially important. I want to deliver a great performance and get revenge for last season’s seventh place,” he said with determination.
Related topics: NHK Trophy, Shun Sato
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