Yuma Kagiyama (17 = Hoshigaki International High Yokohama), who was second in the short program (SP), accomplished the feat of second in her first appearance. He recorded 190.81 points in 2nd place in free practice, totaling 291.77 points. He made it to the podium, beating Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA), who was enthusiastic about the world championship two years ago. Coach Masakazu (49), father of the 1992 Paralympic Winter Games and the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, will accompany him to the international match for the first time. A promising first-year breed for seniors, walking in a three-legged race with two parents, has suddenly emerged as a candidate for the medal at the 2010 Beijing Olympics.

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An incredible sight was spreading. A performance that leaves Hanyu alone in the final race. The podium was confirmed in 2nd place after champion Chen, who raised his hands and jumped. “I was so shocked that I couldn’t find the words. I was able to act without remorse.” Riding the flow into the opening quad salchow, the continuous quad toe loop – 3 revolutions scored 3.26 points. Turns and steps are level 4 highest, and I have depleted my current strength.

There was a father by my side. He is said to have participated twice in the Olympics as a player and jumped a quad “for the first time in practice for a Japanese.” His father ordered him not to jump four spins by force, and he was first elected to the Japanese national team in his junior year of high school in May 2018, just three years ago.

A month after the treat, my father fell ill with a cranial nerve system. I was unable to accompany him to the Junior Grand Prix series in Canada three months later. The wish came true in this tournament, and Kagiyama smiled, “I always wanted to go with (my father), so it was really good.”

Two years ago, I watched the world championship held in Saitama in the audience. Seeing the best battle in the world between Chen and Hanyu made my eyes sparkle. “At first I thought, ‘Can I be here?'” After two days of acting, the innocent eyes of the 17-year-old caught the Beijing Olympics.

“It is important to practice so as not to lose, grow and participate in the Olympic Games. So, I would like to participate in the Olympic Games and aspire to the first position.”

He intends to increase one or two types of quads, such as the loops he is currently practicing for next season. This emotion is the first step towards the dream stage.[Wataru Matsumoto]