Sota Yamamoto: “It started with the back injury, and then these asthma-like symptoms happened. Maybe I should go for a purification ritual.”
Sota Yamamoto is determined to give his all at the Grand Prix Finland event
original source: Nikkansports, 20th November 2025 by Wataru Matsumoto
Sota Yamamoto (25) is determined to give his all at the Grand Prix Finland event, overcoming injury and setbacks as he prepares for both this competition and the upcoming Japanese Nationals, which will determine Olympic selection. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports.
Sota Yamamoto, who placed ninth at the second event, the Cup of China, participated in practice at the competition venue the day before the opening. Skating to his free program music, he landed a quadruple toe loop and a triple axel, making final adjustments. “I want to give everything I have without holding back,” he said, stating his theme for this event.
At the Cup of China, Yamamoto was affected by a back injury and said, “It ended up being a disappointing performance,” unable to achieve a satisfying result. The pain persisted afterward, and he admitted, “I was worried, wondering if I’d be okay.” Still, he pushed himself in practice, saying, “I trained right up to the limit and was able to do the practice I wanted,” feeling more prepared than before the previous competition.
On the other hand, he also faced unexpected issues, such as asthma-like symptoms before leaving Japan. “It started with the back injury, and then these other things happened. Maybe I should go for a purification ritual,” he said with a wry smile. With the Japanese Nationals (December 19–21, Tokyo, Yoyogi First Gymnasium), which will determine the representatives for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, just about a month away, Yamamoto commented, “During this competition period, not just in Finland but also looking ahead to Nationals, I want to keep building up what I can do day by day.”
Related topics: Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy, Sota Yamamoto
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