On December 15th, the popular television program 'Bokura no Jidai' featured three of Japan's most celebrated figure skaters - Maō Sadā, Shizuka Arakawa, and Midori Itō. This special episode gathered these Olympic medalists for an engaging discussion about their lives, careers, and the evolution of figure skating.
The show, broadcast on Fuji Television, showcased the remarkable stories of these women who have not only inspired countless fans but have also set records throughout their careers. Notably, Itō made history as the first female athlete to successfully land a triple axel at the Olympics during the Albertville Games in 1992. Arakawa followed suit secure the first gold medal for Japan’s women figure skaters at the 2006 Torino Olympics, and Sadā won silver at the Vancouver Games in 2010.
During the episode, the trio reflected on their training days, sharing anecdotes about their unique experiences as young athletes. Itō humorously recalled, "I was embarrassed to admit, but I still skate as a hobby now." Meanwhile, Arakawa added, "I want to create ice shows with others since I retired, which makes my current work feel more significant than before." These sentiments highlight the transition from competitive skating to professional performances, allowing them to find joy beyond the pressure of competitions.
The conversation took a turn when discussing their coaching experiences and training regimes. Arakawa made light of her lack of morning practices during her school days, stating, "We didn’t really have morning routines before school! Maybe it was just our teachers' issues, as he had to line up for pachinko before starting practice." This comment elicited laughter from her co-hosts, illustrating the camaraderie they've built over the years.
Sadā recalled one particularly grueling training camp, saying, "That was the toughest camp I’ve ever experienced - practicing from 6 AM to 9 PM!" She admitted to giving up during one session, prompting Arakawa to respond, "There’s strategy to surviving those camps! It's all about timing your effort." The supportive teasing between the champions illuminated their close friendship and mutual respect.
The program also highlighted their current endeavors. Sadā, who recently opened the 'Maō Rink Tachikawa,' expressed her excitement, exclaiming, "I am there for the adult skating competitions now!" With enthusiasm radiated through the screen, Itō exclaimed her desire to join Sadā on the ice. "I really want to skate there!" This lightened the atmosphere during significant discussions, preserving their playful spirits.
They delved deep discussing how professional skating is different from competitive events. Sadā shared her perspective, saying, "I thought competitions were part of the job" since she was under constant pressure for most of her career. Itō chimed in, acknowledging the challenges faced early on. "Since I started, I gave too much pressure to myself, leading to injuries before key competitions. My passion for skating remains, though!"
Arakawa reflected on the responsibilities placed on them from such young ages, which shaped their outlook on their careers and personal lives. Each woman recognized the importance of continuing to skate not just for their careers but also for their mental well-being.
The episode wrapped up with the trio discussing the future of ice skating and the accessibility of the sport for all ages today. They emphasized how skating is more than just competition; it's about enjoyment and lifelong passion. With competitions featuring skaters from their 60s and 70s, Itō remarked on the joy of participating at any stage of life, stating, "Figure skating is truly a sport one can enjoy throughout their life! Anyone can get started if they wish, and it's about enjoying the skate!"
The show served as both nostalgia and inspiration for many viewers, as highlighted by the multitude of comments online from fans expressing their admiration for the trio. Viewers reminisced about their childhood icons and appreciated the insights shared each woman offered during the discussion. They truly displayed the enduring legacy of these incredible athletes who paved the way for future generations.
