“I think it was a perfect performance for me. Even including the last lutz, I’d give myself 100 points (laughs).” Shun Sato won silver at the Japanese Nationals
Shun Sato overcame pressure to deliver a strong free skate at the All-Japan Championships, securing a podium finish and moving closer to Olympic selection
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. 20th December 2025 / Nikkansports
Serving as the final selection event for the Milan-Cortina Olympics next February, the Japanese Nationals saw Shun Sato (21) secure his place on the Olympic team with a comeback to second place. The official team announcement will be made after all events conclude on the 21st. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“I think it was a perfect performance for me. Even including the last lutz, I’d give myself 100 points (laughs). This season, I’ve gained experience succeeding at major competitions, and I think I was able to show the results of that. I didn’t dwell too much on my mistakes in the short program. I was more confident in the free skate. Now, I just have to wait for the results.”
Sato and Yuma Kagiyama are the same age and have pushed each other since their novice and junior days. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Kagiyama won silver, while Sato underwent left shoulder surgery on the day of the men’s free skate, watching his friend and rival from a hospital bed. Nearly four years later, Sato has now carved his own path to the Olympic dream.
His longtime coach, Tadao Kusaka, greeted the 21-year-old with, “You really did it.” With the Olympic team announcement pending on the 21st, Sato said, “I’ve done everything I can. I’m glad I met the selection criteria. Now I just have to wait for the result,” showing a bright smile.
His ability to adjust stood out. After missing his signature quad lutz in the SP, he landed it cleanly in the free skate. This season, his mental strength has been especially notable, and he credits his growth to skating after Ilia Malinin’s world record performance at the Grand Prix Final. “Compared to 330 points, it’s nothing. I was able to just go for it,” he said.
Related topics: Shun Sato
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