Rinka Watanabe: “I have decided to continue competing and dedicate myself to figure skating for the next four years.”
Rinka Watanabe announced she will continue her competitive figure skating career and dedicate herself to the sport for the next four years.
original source: Nikkansports 28th. December 2025
On December 28, Rinka Watanabe (23) declared her intention to continue competing. She updated her Instagram, sharing her feelings one week after placing seventh in the women’s free skate at the Japanese Nationals. Here’s a translation.
“I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me so far. At this time, I have decided to continue competing and dedicate myself to figure skating for the next four years.”
I am once again deeply grateful to all those who have supported me and enabled me to face competition. As an athlete, I will strive to grow even stronger and do my best so that each performance leaves a lasting impression on everyone’s hearts. I would be grateful for your continued warm support.”
Watanabe did not secure one of the three spots on Japan’s team for the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February, as announced on the night of the 21st. On the 22nd, she mentioned on Instagram that she needed a little more time to decide about her future.
At the Japnese Nationals, she succeeded in landing a triple Axel once in the short program and twice in the free skate, achieving one of the highest-level jump layouts in recent years.
However, in the free skate, which she entered in sixth place after the short program, two jumps other than the triple Axel received deductions, and her program component score, which reflects artistry and presentation, was 64.08, ranking sixth overall. She placed fifth in the free skate with 140.16 points and finished seventh overall with a total of 211.52 points, missing out on her first Olympic team selection.
Immediately after the competition, she said, “Actually, I was thinking about retiring, but maybe this is a sign that I should keep going. I want to take some time to think about it.”
Related topics: Rinka Watanabe
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