- Joined
- Jun 9, 2014
Fumie Suguri had some kind words for Mao Asada after the 2016 Japanese Nationals where Mao unfortunately did not make the 2017 World/4CC team.
Fumie's Twitter - Translations by ohlovesosweet
“With the completion of Japanese Nationals, Asada-senshu did not make it onto the world team. About whether or not to continue. A few years ago, when Asada-senshu resumed her competitive career, we had a long talk at the Shin-Yokohama rink. I advised her not to continue. The reason for that is because I don’t want her to have the same painful memories as I did.
When I look back on it now, 2006 was my competitive peak. Still, no matter how painful it was, I have no regrets for continuing. Mentally, physically, spiritually, it was all a challenge. Reevaluating my technique and working on conditioning.
Being able to continue required working and learning about the company I work for. There is true value in pursuing something you love—such as understanding the true value of money. From 2006 to until I retired in 2014, I learned what skating really means. And now I get to coach. However, I faced so many heavy outside pressures and criticisms—being told all sorts of things from everywhere, I felt like I was going to break.
I didn’t want her to have to face that. But, in the end, she said, “But I want to keep going,” and I said, “In that case, I understand. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know whenever you need it,” and we parted.
The decision whether or not to continue is up to the person making decision, and not for those on the fringes to call into question. Just support them, earnestly. That’s what we should do. All athletes want it to round it off to that perfect, beautiful end, but only a very few actually achieve it.
Even the big name senpais from my company, Nakata Hidetoshi-san and Tamesue Dai-san, they all have regrets. I don’t think ending with good results is that great. It all has to do with attitude and the way you live. Ganbare Mao-chan!!!”
Not sure if I get the wording by this translator right (as English isn't my native language) but what Fumie actually wrote is ending on a high note isn't the only thing that is deemed splendid.
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