- fosse wrote:
- http://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/rensai/skate/140101/20140101069.html
As usual it has poured lots of articles and programs about Daisuke since JN but I post here only one about Utako sensei.
I guess that it would be same to his long time fans and thank you again to rascals for cheering and supporting to him at JN.
Thank you, fosse!!
The translation I tried of this article (sorry for mistakes):
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Newspaper - Osaka Nichi Nichi Shimbun
The “Road” She Walked Through With Daisuke Takahashi
~ Figure Skating Coach Utako Nagamitsu~Jan 1, 2014
Dec 21 through 23, at the Saitama Super Arena the All Japan Figure Skating Championships were held that was also the final trial for the Olympic team qualification. For the men's sigles, Yuzuru Hanyu, Tatsuki Machida and Daisuke Takahashi were chosen for the team. We interviewed Ms Utako Nagamitsu, who has been coaching Takahashi for many years and asked her about the "Road (michi)" they have walked through.
(Interviewed by: Junko Kuro'o Photographed by: Masami Morita)
"I love Daisuke's skating. I want to keep watching it forever"Made it into the Sochi Olympic Team-- Now that Daisuke Takahashi has been selected to be a member of the Olympic team, how do you feel?
It turned out to be that his career wasn’t over with the Nationals Free skating but he can move on to the Olympics, so I am very relieved.
-- Were you anxious about his condition not being 100%?
Due to the right tibial bone bruise he took about five days of complete rest and when he started practice again we found that he couldn't land even the simplest jumps and he had the anxiety that he couldn't compete like that. But he would be shut out from the Olympic team if he doesn't compete in the Nationals. We all knew that well so we asked for help from many people, such as Mr Watanabe (Norio, his Physical trainer), his Doctor and people in the Clinic and managed to make it to participate in the Nationals. If I could be a bit greedier, I wish we had one more week to prepare.
-- What was it like when he went to the Torino, his first Olympics?
The seat was only for one and he competed against Mr Oda. I think having a rival could keep his motivation high.
-- What about the second time, in Vancouver?
It was the Olympic season right after his coming back from the injury, (a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and a medial meniscus injury) in 2008 and all he thought was to wish for making it to the Olympics and I believe that that strong feeling brought him the bronze medal. At that point we talked that we would continue till the Worlds in Tokyo planned next year after the Vancouver.
-- But that World Championships had to be postponed due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and was held in Moscow.
In Moscow he had the accident (during his Free skating he had the screw come off his skate) and finished in 5th place. After that he announced "I may not be able to finish my skating career in style, but I'd like to take the challenge to go to Sochi", and he said it without mentioning anything to me and I was very surprised. But I felt that if he said he would do it, then we would try hard together again.
-- If, then, he had a good result in Moscow?
If he reached to the podium, he could have quit after. I love Daisuke's skating and I have this strong desire to keep watching it forever. So I also can say that it was great time to me for the last three years.
-- After this Olympics and the Worlds then?
Since a little while ago he started to hint that “I may continue for the next season” and I felt concerned that it might have something to do with reason why his motivation not raised enough to push himself the hardest way. So when we had a meeting after coming back from Skate America, I dared to say, “isn’t it necessary not to secure a way out and burn your bridges to do this?” But I felt terrible after I said that. My own wish to keep seeing his skating is so strong so I had a hard time to say that. I may be the one who wasn’t determined enough.
“This Boy Will Surely Be the Top of the World”In Tandem Walk with Daisuke-- Please tell us about the path you and Daisuke walked through together?
These fourteen years passed by like a flash. I felt it so short. Both of us have a nature that quickly forgets about bad things and hard times and that’s probably why we could do it together for so long.
-- What was your first impression of Daisuke?
It was in an ice rink in Sendai. I was on the ice and he was at the rink side standing looking this way into the rink. When I looked to his way the light from the entrance behind streamed in, and he was in that light. I still can see the image of it clearly. I never thought this brought us to the journey together for this long. (LOL)
-- Did you think that he would grow into an athlete to be in the Olympics for three times?
I just happened to be asked to make his program (Warsaw Concert) and I was surprised. With the way he interpreted the music and the expression of it my instinct told me that he’s going to be the top skater of the world. On the other hand, seeing closely how his kind nature is like, I got worried; “can a boy with this gentle soul make it to the world’s top?”
-- So, shortly after that encounter of destiny you and Daisuke started the walk in tandem?
Daisuke’s self-esteem is just so low and never really recognizes his own talents, so I thought that people should recognize his talents. I told myself that I would support him from the back until then. That has kind of continued till today.
Thankful that he met me-- After going through a lot, you two still moved ahead. What was the driving power of it?
Probably because he hates defeat. And the power of cheering and supports from his fans has been huge. Especially this competition I was moved with that once again. I think he is even happier than me about that.
-- I saw him looking up across the audiences repeatedly while skating around right before his performance.
I believe he let it boost his spirit by skating around the area where he could hear the cheers. I was really thankful for the cheers. He had a warm reception when the names of the Olympic team were announced too. I was very relieved.
-- What kind of performances of his do you wish to see at the Olympics and the World?
First of all he should do his base elements to be perfectly done. And if his feelings are conveyed well to the people through the performance of his Free program which he put his thankful feelings to the people around and to the audiences, I will be happy.
-- It’s the program full of thankfulness and gentle feelings, isn’t it?
Especially the last choreographic sequence that no one but he can skate. It’s with less foot switches and has powerful impact. Lori, the choreographer had a clear insight into him and gave him a great program.
-- What is the skater Daisuke Takahashi to you?
Figure skating is a great sport not just for ladies but for men as well. (Minoru) Sano sensei and Takeshi (Honda) sensei boosted up the reputation of Japanese men’s single skaters with their techniques and jumps. Daisuke followed them showing his sense of movements and expressions to the world. That is passed onto the reputation of the next generation skaters so I think he has built a good bridge. Nevertheless, I am amazed at how he has been running through to come this far. There was a period he had to be off the ice but he really has done it so hard throughout. I’m so thankful that he met me who had the belief that “Men should be the one to dance”, and grew into the skater far greater than I could imagine.
-- “The Long and Winding Road” of Mr Takahashi and you. What’s the goal of it?
It’s true that I wish him to stand the highest place, but if he can do his very best putting it all out, then I will be totally satisfied.
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I second fosse to thank all the rascals who cheered in the arena at JN for him!!!
Utako sensei daiski!!
Go Daisuke, to make this outstanding lady shed tears of happiness!
(Probably harder than getting a gold medal?)