The quest for gold
What might seem like a typical sports story actually delves much deeper into complex characters and the harsh realities of competitive figure skating. The narrative isn't afraid to show a difficult reality: think of financial problems, how ageism is perceived in sports, and the sheer mental and physical toll of being an elite athlete. It tackles all these themes and challenges with a maturity that truly makes you feel the overwhelming weight our main characters carry. It offers a raw and honest look at the emotional cost of competition and the profound personal growth that emerges from every setback and triumph. It's a very comprehensive and multi-layered story about how passion, dedication, and an incredible support system can transform lives, and honestly, the positive impact that happens when someone finally sees you and all your talents, even if they're not fully developed yet.
Medalist’s Characters
Tsukasa Akeuraji
He's a former professional figure skater whose own career was cut short, not by injury, but because he started too late and simply couldn't reach the top, even with all his talent and hard work. Tsukasa is defined by his stubbornness, dedication, unwavering support, and passion for the sport. He pours all his energy into training Inori, aiming to help her achieve the Olympic glory he couldn't. After watching the first season, it's crystal clear to me that he sees a lot of himself in Inori due to the great passion they both share for this sport. While helping her, he's also clearly trying to come to terms with his own past, all while finding this incredible new purpose in his life: to become a worthy mentor for the next generations.
Inori Yuitsuka
She's an 11-year-old girl with an absolutely unwavering passion for figure skating. Inori dreams of reaching the top and becoming a world-class medalist, even though she faces some pretty big obstacles, from financial problems to skills she hasn't quite mastered yet. Her immense determination and love for figure skating truly stand out, as she constantly pushes past that nagging self-doubt that often tries to consume her and stop her from doing what she loves most. She possesses this raw, unpolished talent that immediately catches the eye of Tsukasa Akeuraji, who steps in and decides to become her coach (Honestly, he's like a friend and a father figure all rolled into one). Her incredible growth under Tsukasa's guidance elevates her ambitions to new heights, to the point where she goes from just wanting to practice casually to firmly setting her sights on becoming an Olympic medalist.
Within the world of "Medalist," you'll find innumerable secondary and background characters, each playing their own important role. There are major rivals, popular coaches who were medalists themselves, and fellow competitors whose only goal is to return to the rink, simply because they need to overcome things from their past. Ultimately, "Medalist" offers such a broad vision of figure skating and isn't afraid to take you behind the rink and under the spotlight.
Opinion of Medalist
When I tell you this anime took me by surprise, I'm absolutely not exaggerating! At first, I honestly thought it would be a story aimed at kids, but Inori and Tsukasa's journey is so much more than that. Don't let the series' overall look discourage you, because its message is something we should all see or hear at least once in our lives. "Medalist" vividly shows us how crucial it is to have a support system that truly nurtures your passions. It's also about how determination, perseverance, and hard work not only build experience but also lead to profound personal growth and an unwavering belief in yourself, even when many others might want to see you fail.
Every fall Inori takes, every extra hour she dedicates to practice, and every challenge she overcomes under Tsukasa's guidance builds her belief in her own capabilities, which drives her to keep reaching for new goals. Meanwhile, Tsukasa not only sees himself reflected in Inori, but he also gains a purpose beyond the sacrificed daily routine that was barely keeping him afloat. You simply can't help but root for both of them to achieve their shared and individual dreams.
Talent itself, whatever it may be, is truly just a spark that needs fuel to ignite. So, if you've ever felt like you have a spark of your own, I honestly believe Inori and Tsukasa's story will definitely resonate with you.
