Something struck me today after the initial strangeness of not seeing Shoma amongst those in the victory laps and post competition press conference: How spoilt and priviledged I am as a fan that he had consistently been on the podium for the past three years, that I have almost taken for granted that I would see him there at every competition. Sure, I lament about his daredevilry and sometimes wish he would withdraw (when he's injured) than bulldoze through in pain, but somehow he will find ways to get up there. He was there, always, that sometimes I forget what a difficult feat it is to get on the podium in the first place.
And that's the thing - the past 3 years, with more competitions that I can remember anyone else doing - every single time, he made it there with skills, talent, hard work, grit and determination. He had fought so hard and for so long, I feel so blessed and grateful that I am around to witness every single bit of it. And I know he still has more to share with the world. His disappointment and self deprecation made this occasion especially hard to swallow, that I wish I can tell him that more than medals and accolades, I am so proud and so priviledged to have seen him overcome physical and mental hurdles and use each experience to grow a little more into the fine young man that he is now. And I can't wait to see what he has in store for the future.
Hope his injury didn't flame up again. Get some well-deserved rest, Shoma! 
