It’s very seldom that I’m speechless, but it has taken me this long to get my thoughts straight in my head regarding Skate Canada This was the 7th Grand Prix event I’ve attended where he skated, and I really enjoyed it! It’s always so much fun to be with other Sho fans and share our love for him! Chatting, exchanging gifts, cheering, sharing memories from other competitions – FUN!!
There was excitement in the air Thursday as we waited for him to appear on the practice ice. Sigh! And there he was in his pink Uno shirt! Wasn’t the best practice for him, but it didn’t matter. In fact, he was jumping and then having this puzzled look on his face as if he couldn’t figure out what was going wrong on his jumps. He conferred with Ghislain and Stepen, but no lingering at “The Bar” like he did with Coach Mihoko. He is in motion almost the entire practice.
FINALLY, we got to see him skate in a setting other than an ice show! Great to see him on a full-size rink, no spotlights, and booming music. I find it hard to focus on his jump content, because I’m so mesmerized by his total body movement, his carriage and posture, the way he BECOMES and feels the music – honestly, there is no one else competing right now who skates like him…It still makes me smile when I think of Friday’s practice where he took his Team Japan jacket off and many of us clapped and cheered when we saw his new costume.

I thought maybe I saw the TEENIEST of embarrassed smiles. Sorry Sho, you are a rock star! And of course, the shiny black pants are…memorable.
Gravity was awesome! The languid movements where he shifts his weight back and forth over the blade, generating speed from his core as he presses down deep into the ice. Excitement was in the air as he came on the ice for Mea Shomenta. Could he overtake Kao, especially after helping him with his laces problem? Usually, I’m so nervous I feel sick to my stomach during competitions, but this time I was strangely calm! Would he win his 15th GP medal? Since he is such a great long program skater, I felt confident he would!
The frosting on the cake – getting to see Padam Padam at the gala. Exquisite! He needs to have some more programs choreographed by Coach Fluffy. She “gets” him. Another great example of how he takes his time with his movements and is patient. His changes of speed. I don’t like him in black, but a change of costume is simple. But I DO expect him to make the best-dressed list again!
Ok, this is starting to get long. Sorry! I could go on for hours! He is truly amazing, and I am so happy to be his fan.

Three new programs?! Wow! So glad I had the privilege of waving a brand new banner made in his honor. Such a fun weekend!