Q: Do you also feel frustration that the jumps take so much time that you can’t work on the artistic expression?
A: Yes, it’s a bit frustrating. But as a competitor it’s something you have to understand. Particularly as a skater. It’s usually the case that you don’t progress in the way you would like to. I believe that if you focus on what’s ahead of you, at some stage you’ll learn what you’re having trouble with. It’s not only me, but everyone wants to skate their best program. However, after you get your results you have to shift your focus to the next thing.
Q: Do you have plans to choreograph for yourself?
A: I’ve choreographed an exhibition program before and really enjoyed it. I want to grow artistically so once this season is over and I have more time I definitely want to try choreographing for myself.
Q: Tell us about your coach, Rafael Arutyunian.
A: Raf is a genius. He notices problems long before the stage where the skaters do. I’m truly grateful to be able to train with somebody like him. Everything we do in competition is what we do in training, so we just do what he tells us to do in practice. He also has unique jump exercises to help us in our program run throughs.
Q: Do you feel interest in figure skating has increased in the United States?
A: To be honest, I think the anime “Yuri On Ice” may have raised the interest in figure skating among the younger generation. (LOL) Since the Olympics is in the news there has been more interest in all sports, not just figure skating. However, compared to Japan, or even other countries, we are lacking in fan base. The past few months the American skaters have been working hard to be in the media. Ashley, Adam, Vince--we’re all working together to increase the sport’s popularity and bring back medals to America. By winning medals the popularity will rise!
Q: Do you also feel a sense of responsibility and pressure?
A: Well, when I think it about it that way the pressure increases. But that’s my life, my sport, my career. I think about what I want to achieve, and using that as motivation I can put myself into a certain context. If I can bring this sport into people’s lives it’ll be super cool. It was the same with me after I came across figure skating. At this season’s competitions, and if possible at the Olympics, by skating good programs I hope other skaters and children can be inspired to go to the rink and try skating for themselves. That would also increase the sport’s popularity.
Q: This will be an important step for that, as well.
A: Beating Yuzuru at the start of the season is a huge step. But at the same time it’s the beginning so he and I both have things we need to do. It was an incredibly small margin, so I can’t get distracted. The things I’ll work on are, of course, to improve the artistry, maintain the level of everything, increase my GOEs as much as possible, and retain a sense of stability. It’s five weeks until Skate America and I want to meet with Lori once to improve on my presentation. After the Japan Open and this competition I’ll freshen up to be ready for the second half of the season.
I can’t wait to see it!!!
)
(many people mistakenly believe that skating is easy)
