Akiko Suzuki Unveils Reasons for Shoma Uno’s World Championships Performance Dip and Future Plans

―― Shoma Uno’s statement of feeling refreshed during the press conference has sparked interest in his future career path.

“I believe that regardless of the result of not achieving a three-peat, what matters is where Shoma Uno himself can set his sights on. For athletes, if they don’t have a clear understanding of ‘why they continue to compete,’ it’s difficult to continue their athletic careers. What he is looking forward to next, and what he considers as ‘having accomplished,’ varies from player to player. Some players focus on the results, while others don’t. If he can pursue what kind of skating he wants to do, and if it’s possible to pursue it not in competition but professionally, then it’s entirely possible for him to move on to a different stage.”

―― When the conversation turned to American skater Ilia Malinin (19), who achieved his first victory at the World Championships this time, Shoma Uno mentioned the names of other skaters from the same generation and said, “Do your best.” Will he indeed step back from the forefront?

“If there are still things he wants to try as a skater, or if he has the desire to perform even better than the medalists this time, then the arena of competition will remain. Only the individual knows where their motivation lies. Gradually, firm conclusions will be formed within oneself.”

―― That’s something only the individual knows.

“I believe that both continuing as a skater and retiring require great determination. You can’t continue in competition with mixed feelings. I think Shoma Uno is the type who doesn’t have a strong focus on medals or consecutive victories. Therefore, what he seeks in the future is uncertain. Personally, I will simply respect the answer he comes to after careful consideration. I want to support his decision.”

Having built an era, Shoma Uno finds himself faced with a difficult decision in his mid-20s. How will the “man who doesn’t care about rankings” decide?