Shoma Uno retires from competitive skating

[dorispulaski]

Shoma, I will miss your skating and your effervescent style of performing so much! May you have joy and success in everything in life!

 

[reader3]

I'm not a long time fan of skating but I could see that Shoma was someone special. Best wishes to him. With all that talent he will be busy.

 

[el henry]

I will miss Shoma and his skating!

Such passion on the ice, such commitment to even the most unusual pieces of music, making them his own.

He has had a career that he can be proud of, that touched many hearts. Best of luck in his new chapter!

 

[figureskatingandrainbows]

The international and Japanese skating community has been very active in wishing Shoma well and mentioning the impact he had on them and their skating. It's obvious that he is appreciated and will be missed by his former competitors and friends.

On a more light-hearted note, the GPF was moved to Grenoble today, and I've seen some people joking online that Shoma retired to avoid the indignity of disco podiums, cardboard medals, and the swimming pool rink

 

[Apple1078]

I'm not surprised but still feel sad. What a talent! What an artist! I'll miss him and his skating immensely. All the best on his new adventure!

 

[4everchan]

I am a long time fan of Shoma. What drew me in : his intensity in skating and his very natural and beautiful musicality. Never got bored watching him because he was always so passionate in his performances. The skating world is losing a unique skater. I was hoping he would stick until Milano and earn one or two more medals there. At the same time, this sport is so demanding, if Shoma felt he had done all he had to do there in terms of competition accolades (3 olympic medals, 4 world medals including two titles, a slam, a great junior career... 6 national titles etc) then, I feel okay with the news. I feel blessed to have seen him skate live a couple times and will always remember his gorgeous style : long live Shomagnifique !

 

[nguyhm]

I will miss him dearly

 

[Kitt]

I count myself lucky that I have seen Shoma quite a few times, including the time he did the first 4flip! Wow, that was an experience! I will miss his artistry - best expressive arms in the business!

 

[Weathergal]

I loved this program of his the first time I saw it and still love watching it. Here's the TCC version:

Shoma Uno 2016 TCC SP

www.youtube.com

 

[cailuj365]

One of the best. I loved watching him and his passion. He remained at the top for such a long time and was always a joy to watch. I hope he continues in tours and galas for a very long time.

 

[SmileHappy34]

Shoma u will be missed for the joy that ur skating gave all.

 

[ladyjane]

The ISU has written a nice article about his skating career and his retirement:

Shoma Uno (JPN) opens the next chapter - International Skating Union

The International Skating Union is the international sport federation administering Ice Skating sports throughout the world.

isu.org

 

[noskates]

I always looked forward to Shoma's programs. I will miss him. His transformation into an elegant but athletic figure skater after moving to Stephane Lambiel was truly amazing. I wish him luck. The men's competitions won't be the same without him.

 

[triplelutzzzzz]

I hope he has a good retirement, I've been watching him for years now so I have loved seeing how his skating has developed and changed over time. Have the best retirement you can, Shoma !!

 

[apgold]

I was kind of expecting/dreading this after Worlds. I feel lucky to have seen Shoma skate in person 3X (Worlds 2016, Skate Canada 2018 and most recently Worlds 2024). He's always been one of my favorites even if I didn't always love his programs season to season. He's done everything except win an OGM (and two individual Olympic medals is nothing to sneeze at) and brought his unique artistry and jumping prowess, influencing others in the sport to combine the two.

I look forward to seeing what he does next and hope he continues to tour and perform. I'm glad I was able to see his electric performance to Come Together at the Gala. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out!

 

[Skater Boy]

A great skater who at a different time may have had an olympic title. Still an individual silver and bronze is huge.

 

[TallyT]

(and two individual Olympic medals is nothing to sneeze at)

Two individual Olympic medals on their own, without all the rest, would be the absolute pinnacle of 99.999% of skaters' dreams and careers.

 

[Jhar55]

Enjoyed his skating, will miss watching. Sometimes maybe better bow at while still on top game. Best wishes for what ahead in life.

 

[sworddance21]

Count me among those not surprised, but still sad. I love his incredible combination of artistry and athleticism. I always hoped for a Rohene-choreographed program for him.

 

[yuumagical]

Less than an hour until the retirement press conference!