eyoreeisthebest reblogged
2024.03.10 FSTV | Shoma Uno interview before Worlds 2024 (x) Did a translation for this because it was a pretty in-depth interview and a good window into Shoma's mindset going into Worlds
[The interviewer asks Shoma about the possibility of getting another World title] Shoma: I know that in terms of ability I'm no longer at the top, since there's Malinin. I don't really have the feeling that I'm going to win three championships in a row. To be honest, my mindset and feeling has changed, in that I feel I'm no longer in the position of defending my title, but rather that I'm in the challenger position. When it comes to me as a skater, there are parts that are not very athlete-like, but I have also the fighting spirit and the determination that I've had from long ago. I have very clear boundaries, and I have a strong determination not to compromise on what I think is essential, and a sense of what I cannot give up on. I really understand what you are saying [t/n: I think he is referencing the interviewer's question]. I think the reason why I have come this far is because there are parts I have to give up on and parts that I absolutely don't want to give up. I don't know what everyone's expectations for me are, but well, anything is ok. For example, regardless of whether people expect results or the quality of the content, I am truly grateful to the people in my life, the people who have allowed me to skate until now and who have motivated me. I want to live each day to the fullest for the sake of those who have shown me kindness. When it comes to competition results, there are bad times and there are good times. Of course, it's a world where we are told that results are everything, but that's just the public opinion, and none of the people around me who put me first think that results are everything. Of course, if the results are good, everyone will be happy. I wonder what is best... is the most important thing to be evaluated by others ? Or is it that you yourself are satisfied? But then I also think about the fact that in the current situation, I can feel satisfied with myself because I am being evaluated by others. I have been thinking about it, and my first priority is to satisfy myself, and then I want to cherish the people who are closest to me and who support me. After clearing that up in my mind, what are the results that Stephane, who is the person closest to me in skating, wishes for? I was wondering if I had reached better results, better scores, better performance and content, and a better process of getting there. So when it comes to skating, that's what I want to prioritize the most right now. Judging and results are really sensitive and difficult aspects, and it's hard to evaluate whether expressivity is good or bad [t/n: probably he means in terms of actual competition scores]. I was thinking about it a lot, and the more I thought about it the more I got confused, so I decided to just 'cherish what is important to me'. That's how I feel now.
