Jia Shin: “Don’t obsess over the results – just show everything I’ve practiced so far! Figure skating itself is my greatest joy. When I can show everything I’ve prepared, I feel immense happiness.”
With a strong mindset, Jia Shin shares her Olympic reflections and next goals.
original source: v.daum.net dd. 27th March
South Korean figure skater Jia Shin reflects on her Olympic debut, her journey in the sport, and her determination to grow stronger for the next Winter Olympics. Here’s a translation of her comments.
“Let’s show everything I’ve practiced so far.” Just as she repeated these words to herself, Jia Shin fully displayed her skills at her first Olympics. She also shares her dreams for the next four years.
Q: This was your first Olympics after debuting as a senior. You set a new personal best in the free skate and finished 11th overall. How do you feel about that?
Jia Shin: I’m just so grateful to have experienced such a big stage as the Olympics in my first senior season. It was a huge honor to represent my country. Although I made mistakes in the short program, I’m glad I was able to show my full ability in the free skate. After finishing my free skate, my first thought was, “Wow, it’s over!” (laughs)
Q: Your free skate made everyone forget the disappointment of the short program. You perfectly executed everything from the double axel to the triple lutz-triple loop combination and the triple salchow.
Jia Shin: Since the free skate is long, I focused on each element rather than the whole program. My biggest goal was not to make any jump mistakes, so I tried to stay calm and not get too nervous.
Q: What mindset do you have when you step onto the ice?
Jia Shin: Don’t obsess over the results – just show everything I’ve practiced so far!
Q: You became the first Korean woman to surpass 200 points in your junior debut season and have been recognized as a leading figure skater ever since. When did you first dream of becoming a figure skater?
Jia Shin: It was in second grade. Figure skating has so many skills and elements, and the sense of achievement from learning and mastering each one was so appealing. The first skates I ever wore were figure skates, so there was no other choice for me! (laughs)
Q: What’s the most significant experience that shaped you as a skater?
Jia Shin: Moving to Seoul in fifth grade. I moved for figure skating, but the environment changed completely, and I had to live apart from my family. In that situation, I became even more determined to overcome challenges. I think I am who I am today because of that time.
Q: You had to be strong at a young age.
Jia Shin: Yes, I tried not to let myself slack off. But I think I was able to get through it because my parents were always by my side.
Q: When do you feel the strongest?
Jia Shin: Probably when I’m about to compete. I feel a strong determination to show everything I have without shrinking back.
Q: What joy and sadness does figure skating bring you?
Jia Shin: Figure skating itself is my greatest joy. When I can show everything I’ve prepared, I feel immense happiness. Of course, there are sad moments when things don’t go well, but I try to use that sadness as motivation to grow.
Q: You said you want to challenge the Winter Olympics in the Alps in four years. What do you want to work on?
Jia Shin: Technical skills are important, but I think my biggest task is to strengthen my mentality even more.
Q: You already seem strong and resilient!
Jia Shin: Haha, thank you. The Olympics is such a huge stage, with so many spectators watching. I want to train more to overcome the pressure and nerves that come with that.
Q: Can share your aspirations for the next Winter Olympics in the Alps?
Jia Shin: At the next Olympics, I want to deliver perfect, clean performances in both the short and free programs. I’ll work hard to set new personal bests and show how much I’ve grown by then.”
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