I guess my totally unrealistic dream of seeing him win the gold medal just got that much more unrealistic.
But aw, I like what he said about knowing his own level and setting his goals to match it. I hope he has two great skates. <3
Now that he is retired, Kumeo watches videos of Takahashi’s best performances at competitions repeatedly every day. Fearing it might be his son’s last competition, Kumeo went to watch the All-Japan Figure Skating Championship in December for the first time. When his son received the loudest cheers despite the fact that he finished fifth, a tearful Kumeo said, “I am so pleased.”
His parents still live in the same rented house. Takahashi occasionally sends Kiyoto such gifts as clothes and handbags. “They’re too big, and besides, I have no use for such expensive things,” Kiyoto said, saying they are stored with care.
The good-luck card was sent to Takahashi late last month. His parents will not travel to Sochi, but they will watch their son’s performance from Kurashiki. “It would be wonderful if he came home saying, ‘I did my best,’” Kiyoto said. “Regardless of whether he wins a medal or not, I hope he gives it his all.”
Huge Dai fan and really hopes he can have performances he is satisfied with -- and he has always seemed to place more importance on doing what he finds meaningful than just in results. For example, his going for the quads in Vancouver, when he might have placed higher with easier content.
I assume this is the knee he had the cruciate ligament surgery on years ago? I've had ACL reconstruction (I had no ACL left, my body had absorbed it after it was torn) and meniscus trimmed out and my knee has never been the same. I've always been amazed at what Dai has done for years now after similar surgery.
Dai is just amazing and I hate that his chances for gold are all the more diminished.
Oda and Kozuka must be rolling their eyes about now...
I am very sorry to hear this news. The big problem IMO is that Japan needed to be able to send 6 men to Sochi. They have such an incredibly deep men's field that 3 places just isn't enough. I really love Dai's skating and am still hoping for a gold medal or at least a podium finish.