The 2024 All Japan Figure Skipping Championships, currently underway at the Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome in Kadoma, Osaka, has been showcasing some exceptional performances from both seasoned and budding figure skaters. The championships, running from December 19 to 22, are pivotal as they serve as qualifying rounds for international competitions such as the World Championships and the Four Continents Championships.
Among the prominent participants are Rion Sumiyoshi and Maria Egawa, both students at Meiji University. They entered the competition with high hopes, aiming to secure podium finishes and solidify their chances for world events. Sumiyoshi shone brightly during the women’s short program, achieving seventh place, whereas Egawa found herself starting the event at fifteenth.
Sumiyoshi’s performance was one marked by resilience. Though she confessed to initial nerves – “I felt nervous before my performance, but I expressed it and managed to begin with confidence” – her execution improved as the program progressed. After facing some setbacks, namely during her double Axel landing, she rebounded with strong jumps, including successful triple jumps later on, earning her fourth place overall on technical score. Judges noted her expressive choreography to “Un homme qui me plaît,” showcasing her artistry and skill.
“Each tiny detail is important to me,” Sumiyoshi expressed as she prepares for her free skating segment later this week. Despite earlier struggles, she viewed the experience positively, noting, “I approached the performance as more of a challenge than just pressure.” With the free skating event scheduled for December 22, she aims to build on this momentum.
On the other hand, Egawa's outing was not as smooth. She stated, “I was really disappointed because I couldn’t show my full ability, especially with my spins,” reflecting her frustration after completing her own short program, where she finished fifteenth. Despite showing promise with her routine set to “River Flows in You,” she struggled with spin execution, which marred what otherwise was poised to be a technically flawless performance. The competition marked her third consecutive appearance at the All Japan Championships, and the experience didn’t escape her.
Egawa shared, “My very first All Japan competition was here, and I could feel some growth from then to now,” indicating her evolution as skater. Still, she pledged to use her short program's disappointing elements as motivation for the upcoming free skating. “I hope to show everything I’ve practiced, including spins,” she stated earnestly.
Both athletes might find it challenging as the competition heats up, but Sumiyoshi and Egawa’s resolve shines through adversity. The forthcoming free skate, which promises to be the most exhilarating phase of the championships, should reveal who among the competitors can muster the top performances amid intense pressure.
The entire figure skating community is eagerly awaiting these final rounds, with fans on the edge of their seats to see who will emerge victorious from the tightly contested field. The All Japan Figure Skipping Championships not only showcase incredible talent but also represent the hopes and hard work of these athletes as they aim for international acclaim.
