HELSINKI — The Finlandia Trophy saw thrilling performances on November 16, 2024, as Yuma Kagiyama and Hana Yoshida both emerged victorious, battling through challenging routines to secure their wins at the prestigious figure skating event.
Kagiyama, the Olympic silver medalist from Japan, clinched the title under less than ideal circumstances. After a commanding lead from the Friday short program, he faced significant challenges during the free skate. Despite the pressure, he won by just under four points, finishing with a total score of 263.09. Kagiyama expressed his disbelief at having won, remarking, "It is the worst program I have done this season, and I regret not having brought my best to you today." His sentiment reflected the emotional turmoil he experienced after what he deemed one of his poorest performances.
The competition took a dramatic twist on Saturday, with neither Kagiyama nor his closest competitor, France's Kevin Aymoz, able to deliver flawless free skates. Aymoz, who had trailed Kagiyama by nearly 19 points after the short program, managed to pull his performance together just enough to secure the silver medal, finishing with 259.15 points. Meanwhile, Italy's Daniel Grassl rounded out the podium with 258.55 points, marking his own impressive return after missing the entirety of the previous season.
The free skate brought unexpected challenges, particularly for Kagiyama. He faltered on his opening quad flip, letting out audible gasps from spectators as he popped it. He wasn't able to regain his rhythm consistently throughout the routine, with missteps and less energy than usual. Despite the misgivings, the support from the audience bolstered him as he completed the program. "My goal for the season is to win all the competitions coming up," he vowed, remaining determined to push through the setbacks.
On the women’s side, Hana Yoshida displayed remarkable resilience. After suffering a fall on her opening triple axel, she quickly regrouped and delivered strong performances to earn her title at the event. Her victory made her the third Japanese female skater to win at this Grand Prix season, showcasing the strength of Japan's figure skating program. Yoshida finished first, with Rino Matsuike taking second place and Lara Naki Gutmann securing the third position.
Aymoz's silver was particularly heartfelt for him as well. He recalled the pressure he felt leading up to the competition. "It was stressful, but I had to prove to myself I could get back up after my quad toeloop fail, and as I landed cleanly the rest of the way, it felt incredibly rewarding," he shared. His story highlights the persistent struggle and determination among athletes who often face self-doubt and external expectations.
Grassl's comeback narrative also deserves attention. After taking the season off, he was thrilled to medal, especially after initially thinking his competitive days may be behind him. "If someone had told me I'd be medaling at two Grand Prix just months ago, I would've thought they were crazy!" he exclaimed. This achievement after adversity exemplifies the spirit of competition.
Overall, this year's Finlandia Trophy proved to be more than just another event on the figure skating calendar; it was also about resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of athletes facing challenges head-on.
Yuma Kagiyama and Hana Yoshida may have faced mistakes and struggles during their routines, but they also showcased the essence of what it means to be competitive athletes. Their stories connect closely with the heart of sportsmanship—overcoming setbacks and celebrating victories, no matter how fragile they may seem.
The Finlandia Trophy is not merely about the medals; it embodies the essence of perseverance and commitment, pushing athletes to face their best selves even when circumstances seem against them. With each competition, the fans get to witness not just performances but personal journeys—and both Kagiyama and Yoshida’s triumphs contributed yet again to this rich narrative of competitive spirit.
Next on their agenda will be the Grand Prix Final, set to happen at the home rink of Aymoz, where all three medallists will compete once more, proving yet again why they earned their places on the podium here at the Finlandia Trophy.
