THE FIERCE ONE HAS ARRIVED IN PORTLAND.
Click to viewA clip from official practice.
Although it's not captured on film, reports say he was trying the QUAD FLIP!!!
GO FOR IT DAISHA AND BE FOREVER BLESSED WITH THE LOVE OF PLUSHENCHRIST.
...and let's keep our fingers crossed for Nobunari to land his gorgeous 4T-3T-3Lo too!
Pics from Universal Sports.
FINALLY, HERE'S A NICE INTERVIEW THAT SURFACED TODAY ON SPORTS HOCHI. (translation: me)
Probably took place in October, since they're discussing his old hairstyle but it's good anyway so I'm dropping it here :)
Your hairstyle looks appealing shaved on the side with a perm.
I wanted it to look like Eita's, but I don't look like him (LOL). The theme for this year is latin so I think I'll keep my hair black.
You will be starting this season as a world champion.
Not a champion (anymore). Things change in the course of half an year and I never know how the others are doing. I'm trying not to think about Vancouver and Worlds because they are in the past. Even if I do feel confident, slacking is self-conceiting.
But you do seem to have composure.
The feeling's back in my body. Last year I had a hard time because my body didn't react, but now I feel no stress because my body moves in response to my senses. I've skated a lot so I think I have more stamina compared to last year.
This year young skaters like Yuzuru Hanyu has turned senior.
When I see the younger skaters it cheers me up but sometimes I wonder if I'm allowed to continue skating.
What makes you so anxious?
The thing that scares me the most is people getting bored with my skating. If I don't bring the surprise factor people tend to get bored. I myself stop watching when I feel I'm seeing the same thing, so I don't want to be like that. I'm trying to change things up every year.
This year you chose mambo for your short program and tango for your free.
I want to turn up the energy and give a steamy performance in my SP. My free has a feel of maturity to it so I want to bring a totally different mood. I want to aim for a higher class of performance and show how I've evolved and changed.
Do you wish to pursue the quality of your performance more than winning competitions?
I always want to win medals, but I'm becoming more focused on achieving the level of performance I want for myself. I like competing so I get frustrated when I lose, but I don't want to be too concerned with that. Win or lose, it's okay as long as I'm satisfied.
You changed your mind about retiring after the Olympics. Will you keep going until Sochi?
It depends on what I want to do after the World Championship next March. I'll do what my heart tells me at that point. I don't know if I can keep up my motivation for four years. My passion for skating might fade away. I'll leave everything to the passing of time. I won't think about quitting now. I just do it, because I want to do it.
How do you envision yourself after you quit competing?
I never thought about it before, but I will try to think about which direction I want to take from now on. I think I will be involved in skating.
Winning the NHK Trophy was a good start for you this season.
It's been a whirlwind since the Olympics, but my passion for skating is stronger now. I don't know how much longer I can compete, so I want to win the Grand Prix Final, the title I haven't won yet.
DAI FLIRTS WITH THE JUDGES & TYFYT!
