2025-26 Junior Grand Prix Final Men's Free Skate

[cocteautwin]

What a fight from Rio, I don't know how he landed some of those jumps. Clearly his condition is not the best right now but his spirit saved him today. Second this time, he won't be happy with that but boy, heal your ankle first and take some rest.

 

[TallyT]

given what we know about Rio's injuries, I really think he really could not have given more.

 

[YuBluByMe]

I was thinking that it’ll be awesome if Nakata pulls of a win after what Seo put out. It was a great skate and response, but the little mistakes will cost him the gold.

 

[yuumagical]

Solid but not perfect from Rio. Still proud of him for hanging in there.

 

[labgoat]

It's a great fight from Rio, but I don't think it's enough.

But damn if I don't need both Rio and Minkyu to be healthy for 2026.

Yes I agree. I think injury is a factor here for Rio. Both boys are wonderful and I hope this rivalry will last and that each will get their turn to win.

 

[lileychristie]

Damn, I was so sure Rio will finally get his JGPF title, but I don't think that was enough......

Edit: ooops I forgot he actually got the title already in 2023

 

[freedomlover]

Lowkey getting Yuna vs. Mao vibes from this rivalry. Love to see it.

 

[skatingguy]

that invalid spin...

And this is why boys, you cannot neglect your spins

I think he might have gotten credit for it in the end (his TES went up a few points), but I'm not sure.

Lucius didn't get any points for one of the spins in the Short, if Denis didn't get one credited either, it would have come down to the spins no matter what way the podium played out - Important lesson for these boys, work on your spins!

We'll know for sure once the protocol is published but it looked to be a data entry error - the spin was entered as a combination spin when it was clearly a camel spin.

 

[labgoat]

Well I switched back to Rio in first in my preds. - oh well.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

I love Rio NAKATA (JPN). And I love "Gladiator" programmes.

But, I don't think this is going to be enough.

As soon as he finished, he was clearly happy. But within seconds, you could see him having doubts.

He goes into 2nd position in both the FS and overall.

He's devastated.

He may be a fair bit behind Minkyu, but Rio should take comfort from the advantage he has over the rest of the field behind him.



CaroLiza_fan

 

[labgoat]

What a great event - very enjoyable. Love you all boys!

 

[TallyT]

I do not like the sitting in a chair all alone thing. I really don't.

Congrats to Minkyu but also Rio and all of the boys.

 

[rabidline]

Rio's lesson to learn here is really to properly heal from injury. It's good that he has this experience now, that youth alone can't overcome them.

 

[bartlebooth]

Poor Rio is hard on himself. Congratulations to Minkyu for the win and to all the skaters. Good competition, the top four were really impressive, the other two a bit unlucky today.

 

[YuBluByMe]

Heh, I knew Nakata will be disappointed. He was very upset last year too. I hope he doesn’t beat himself up too much over this. He did extremely well, especially considering the circumstances (recovering from injury, competing last week).

I’m going to enjoy him and Seo in seniors! The competition between the top is shaping out to be a great rivalry.

 

[lileychristie]

I do not like the sitting in a chair all alone thing. I really don't.

yeah I hate it too. It's so lonely and awkward. Let the current top 3 sit together not just the leader!

 

[bartlebooth]

I do not like the sitting in a chair all alone thing. I really don't.

Congrats to Minkyu but also Rio and all of the boys.

Oh gosh, yes. Let the poor guys go backstage, have a sip of water, a restroom break, a hug with their coach.
Analogous things are being implemented in other sports as well, and I find that generally disrespectful of athletes. They are put in an uncomfortable position waiting for drama to happen.

 

[lileychristie]

Japanese men are masters at the catlike saves...

The women too, remember Ami Nakai's combo save at skate canada

 

[TallyT]

Oh gosh, yes. Let the poor guys go backstage, have a sip of water, a restroom break, a hug with their coach.
Analogous things are being implemented in other sports as well, and I find that generally disrespectful of athletes. They are out in an uncomfortable position waiting for drama to happen.

Remember the 18 minute wait at Finlandia? The only saving grace I could see was to thank the Fates they didn't do that to juniors...

 

[Jumping_Bean]

Upon review of the protocols, Denis' spin did get credit, but the decision still came down to the spins, as he barely got any GOE for them (which feels a little bit harsh, but I might be biased). They really went with him in PCS though, which is well deserved.

I also feel like there might have been a few missed calls for the guys who skated clean (they called Habin's and Taiga's jumps as appropriate) but that often happens with (near) "perfect" skates - And I don't think the results would change significantly.