Rinka Watanabe: “In the two weeks since the Cup of China, I’ve practiced harder than ever in my skating career.”
Rinka Watanabe on the upcoming Skate America Grand Prix
original source: Nikkansports, November 14th 2025 by Daisuke Fujitsuka
Rinka Watanabe (23), bronze medalist at the second event, Cup of China, participated in official practice ahead of the SkateAmerica opening. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
During practice to her short program music, “Roxanne’s Tango,” Watanabe fell on a triple axel but landed several more afterward, continuing her adjustments for the short program.
After practice, Watanabe told reporters:
“In the two weeks since the Cup of China, I’ve practiced harder than ever in my skating career.” She showed confidence in her preparation. If she wins this event, she will qualify for her second Grand Prix Final (December 4–7, Nagoya), but said, “I’m not thinking about that,” and doesn’t feel pressured. “When I deliver what I believe is my best, the results and rankings will follow. Whether that leads to the Final or not will be decided by the outcome. The most important thing is how much of my best I can show at this competition,” she said, focusing on herself.
Related topics: Rinka Watanabe, Skate America
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