Rinka Watanabe: “There were good points, like being able to land two axels, but there were also emotional ups and downs because the results didn’t follow. Now I’m just focused on preparing for the Nationals.”
Rinka Watanabe is determined to deliver a strong performance at the upcoming Japanese Nationals
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. 7th December / news.yahoo.co.jp dd. 7th December
Rinka Watanabe, who finished sixth at the Grand Prix Final, is determined to deliver a strong performance at the upcoming Japanese Nationals to secure a spot on Japan’s Olympic team. Here’s a translation of her comments.
On December 7, the day after the conclusion of the GP Final, Rinka Watanabe, who finished sixth among the women,spoke to the press.
After her performances, she confessed, “My emotions went full circle.” However, she has since regained her composure, emphasizing, “Now, the strongest feeling I have is a positive determination that I just have to do it.”
Looking ahead to the All-Japan Championships starting on the 19th in Tokyo, she said, “Now, I just have to do it. In that sense, I feel positive and strong-willed.”
Watanabe landed her signature triple axel once in the short program and twice in the free skate, but both attempts in the free skate were judged under-rotated. “There were good points, like being able to land two axels, but there were also emotional ups and downs because the results didn’t follow,” she revealed. “After going through all those feelings, now I’m just focused on preparing for the Nationals,” she added with a smile.
Watanabe will be aiming for her dream Olympic spot in the high-stakes Nationals. “What’s important is how well I can maintain my own focus amid all the pressure. I have to practice so much that I can convince myself, ‘I’ve come this far, so I’ll be fine,’” she said, looking ahead to the remaining two weeks.
Related topics: grand prix final, Rinka Watanabe
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