Kagiyama Yuma, preparing for the upcoming Olympic season, emphasizes that he will not attempt to replicate Uno Shoma’s legacy. With the retirement of Shoma and the ascent of rival Ilia Malinin, Kagiyama aims to enhance his performances and compete at the highest levels, while expressing his desire for growth in his skating style ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

As the 2024-2025 ISU Grand Prix Series approaches, Kagiyama Yuma, the promising figure skater from Japan, has made it clear that he is not attempting to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Uno Shoma. The pressure on Yuma is significant following Uno’s retirement, and he acknowledges the fierce competition among the Japanese male skaters. Kagiyama expressed, “I can’t replace him. First and foremost, I’m not about to carry the burden on my own whatsoever. Right now, the men’s competition in Japan is really tight.” Kagiyama, who secured a silver medal in men’s singles at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, has been training under the guidance of Carolina Kostner, significantly enhancing his artistic performance. The tight competition has intensified with the arrival of Ilia Malinin, the reign holder of the world championship title, whose recent achievements have raised the bar for figure skating. Kagiyama is keenly aware of the challenges posed by Malinin’s extraordinary talent, stating, “Throughout the season he was putting up 300 in almost every competition so yes, the gap between Ilia was something I was constantly made aware of.” Despite this daunting challenge, Kagiyama aims high, hoping to close the gap with Malinin, especially with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon. Yuma’s aspirations are fueled not only by his personal goals but also by his recent experiences as a spectator during the Paris 2024 Games. He has been inspired to achieve greatness at the Olympics, expressing, “I have been wanting to win gold in Milano ever since Beijing was over. When I saw the Paris Olympics with my own eyes, it reminded me just how wonderful the Olympics are.” He intends to evolve his skating style, moving beyond aggression to a more refined execution, aiming for a higher level of artistry as he progresses in his career.

Kagiyama Yuma is emerging as a prominent figure on the international figure skating scene, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Following the retirement of renowned skater Uno Shoma, who left a notable impact in the sport, there is an emptiness and elevated expectation placed upon Kagiyama, who is seen as a rising star in Japanese figure skating. The competition at the top level remains fierce, especially with the presence of Ilia Malinin, the current world champion known for his exceptional jumping ability. As the Olympic stage approaches, skaters are focused on elevating their performances to represent their nations effectively.

In summary, Kagiyama Yuma is navigating his place in the world of competitive figure skating as the successor to Uno Shoma. While acknowledging the challenge presented by Ilia Malinin, Kagiyama is determined to enhance his skills and present his unique style as he prepares for the upcoming Olympic season. His commitment and aspirations reflect not only his desire for personal success but also his role in the vibrant and competitive landscape of Japanese figure skating. Yuma’s journey is one to watch as he aims for the podium in 2026, amidst a formidable field of talented competitors.

Original Source: olympics.com

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