I've been away from skating scene for almost a year and a half since Sochi. The fraudulent judging and lack of "complete" skaters were what drove me away. Conversely, now I am back here in large part for the anticipated return of Ms. Asada. I watched her Sochi FS performance again recently and I could not keep myself composed. As she finished her program I completely lost it. She gave many memorable performances that I will never forget for which I will be forever grateful.
Now, having said that want to ask those who live in Japan and have more knowledge of her situation: Is she motivated to skate again? Or is there any sign of her federation's influence (be that carrot or stick) on her decision making?
I don't know how much you know
usethis2 about what Mao said about the reasons for her comeback. I am not Japanese and I don't live in Japan, but here are some translated comments about her comeback that have been posted before but may be hard to find. I think it gives an interesting insight into Mao's feelings. Sounds to me like it is her choice to comeback.
Long time no see
Mao Asada's official statement (excerpt) at Press conference for The Ice
Long time no see.
To make a come back as a competitive skater, in March I met my coaches to ask for working with me again, and in May I restarted my training under them.
During the break, I came to feel I can still compete, and naturally I felt like experiencing the joy and the sense of accomplishment again which I got when I made it to show my best skates in competitions.
full translation at:
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...say-figure-skating-is-wonderful.89260/page-26 number 773
repost of one of my posts:
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_...AJ201505290054
Here is an article about Mao returning to competition with a couple of pieces of information that were new to me.
1. The article quotes Mao as saying that it was "equally important to continue the same thing for an extended period of time." and that having seen people toiling in various fields outside of skating made her "want to work hard toward something." that is continuing competitive skating.
Mao also mentioned that Midori's statement in this interview was an inspiration encouraging her to return, especially since Midori was her childhood hero and made a comeback herself.
Midori: There are things that can be done ONLY NOW. In the environment that is given NOW, by listening to the voice of your mind NOW, if you feel you want to compete or you want to go for it, I think you'd better to continue. If the things are opposite, you don't feel like competing and you prefer to skate a different path, it would be good.
Mao: I see. I learned things which can be done only now are things to be done, also I learned choosing a path in which I do not leave regrets is important.
Evidently, this interview influenced Mao to continue because Mao doesn't want to miss out on competitive skating because it can only be done now and she doesn't want to have regrets if she doesn't do it.
complete interview at:
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...say-figure-skating-is-wonderful.89260/page-24 Full interview number 707