Rena Uezono: “For the new season, I’m thinking of including the triple axel. It’s not in its final form yet, so it would be nice if I could add it.”
Translation if the interview with Japanese single skater Rena Uezono.
original source: sportiva.shueisha.co.jp dd. 22d May 2024 by Komiya Yoshiyuki
Rena Uezono is 13-year-old Japanese single skater, she is the 2024 World Junior bronze medalist, the 2023–24 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final bronze medalist. In the interview posted on Web Sportiva Rena talks about experience of international competitions and her plans for the future.
The first part of the interview is translated here: Rena Uezono: “Mao Asada’s free program at the Sochi Olympics is my aspiration.”
Here’s a translation of her comments made in the second part of the interview.
“Q: When you’re on the rink, you project an adult-like look, but off the rink you’re your own age. This contrast is seen as part of your charm as a performer. Do you consciously switch that on and off?
Rena Uezono: I believe the expressive aspect of figure skating is really important, so I consciously switch between an “on” and “off” state. On the ice, it’s my place to perform my program. When first creating the program, my coaches taught me how I should express myself and perform, so I try to do it accordingly.
Q: We often hear that you have the talent for being sincere, and your performance shows a wide scale. You have already set your sights on a “gold medal at the Olympics”. It may seem ambitious, but it shows your strong determination toward your dreams.
Rena Uezono: Since I was little, I have set myself the dream of winning a gold medal at the Olympics. So now, I still feel like I’m working towards that goal. I started skating when I was 5 years old, but it was around elementary school when I started thinking like that.
Q: I don’t think any of your peers have travelled as globally as you have. How do you feel about your overseas experiences?
Rena Uezono: The cheers and clapping from overseas audience are warm and make it easier for me to perform on the rink. It’s the same in Japan, but I can push myself more on such stages.
At the Istanbul competition of the Junior Grand Prix series, there were cats on the rink. For some reason, there were many different kinds of cats. I didn’t pet them (laughs).
As for meals, I often eat at the hotel buffet, but I do bring Japanese food with me. Things like rice and assorted soups… Also, in Taiwan (where the Junior GP Final was held), I was impressed with how many Japanese things were available.
Q: Are you gradually preparing programs for the new season?
Rena Uezono: Coach Mihoko Higuchi prepared early, so both my short program and free skate were ready by mid-April. So, I’ve been repeatedly practicing to the music as well. It’s different from last year, the music feels completely different, so I aim to be able to fully perform that.
I would like to continue practicing so that I can skate filled with emotion. There are still many challenging parts, so I definitely need to keep practicing full runs.
Q: Are you going to try a new jump?
Rena Uezono: For the new season, I’m thinking of including the triple Axel. It’s not in its final form yet, so it would be nice if I could include it. I’ve landed it with under-rotation before, but I haven’t been able to do it recently. In practice, I still haven’t gotten the hang of the takeoff, so I’d like to be able to do that.
Q: You’re going into the season at 14 years old. Tell us your aspirations.
Rena Uezono: Last season, I managed to get results in major competitions and was able to do well. Therefore, for the new season, I hope to be able to perform convincingly once the season starts by accumulating a lot of practice.
I think practice is the most important thing right now, so I’ll just work hard at it. Even today, if I have time, I’d like to practice the Axel jump!”
Related topics: Rena Uezono
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