I hope everyone is feeling better already. Before reading Shoma´s comments I also thought it was the pressure that was bothering him. Multiple quads, important competition, home crowd, the only man representing Japan. But from what he said after his LP I got the impression that he was just not physically totally ready and recovered. So he was not in his top condition out there and did not connect well with the ice. There were also some changes in his programs too. Maybe all this made him feel uncertain about his chances to go clean. The programs definitely are very demanding both mentally and physically and to land all the quads any skater needs to be in top shape in every aspect. At Lombardia he was ready and did clean programs there, so as he gets to practice more and stays healthy I believe he will be fine at Nationals and the Olys.
For me it was good to hear that at least a male skater still enjoys competing. I´ve been thinking that nobody does so these days because of the difficult layouts, falls and injuries. As I don´t have the mindset of an athlete at all I only feel sorry for the men doing the quads because they all have been struggling a lot during the season. I feel also gratitude for all the skaters for giving us a chance to see all the beauty that there is in FS is in the top level. As I was watching his performances I was after all admiring him and amazed by his presentation, deep edges, flow, spins and steps. So beautiful skating!!! I think he has improved especially in Turandot.
For me it was good to hear that at least a male skater still enjoys competing. I´ve been thinking that nobody does so these days because of the difficult layouts, falls and injuries. As I don´t have the mindset of an athlete at all I only feel sorry for the men doing the quads because they all have been struggling a lot during the season. I feel also gratitude for all the skaters for giving us a chance to see all the beauty that there is in FS is in the top level. As I was watching his performances I was after all admiring him and amazed by his presentation, deep edges, flow, spins and steps. So beautiful skating!!! I think he has improved especially in Turandot.
Today my mind is also refreshed and I looked at this competition in a different way. And I have gone from dissatisfied and disappointed yesterday to "satisfied" too today. Shoma hit a new artistic height here with the improved music, interpretation and edge works. This Grand Prix series has been pretty tough for many so Im glad it finally comes to an end and every one can release the load in their head and freshen up for the second half of the season.