Olympic Silver Medalist Yuma Kagiyama Takes Break to Consider Future
Axios (Tổng hợp từ english.kyodonews.net)
Two-time Olympic silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama has announced he will take a break from competition next season to decide whether to pursue another Winter Games. The 22-year-old Japanese figure skater says this is a strategic step to listen to his body and mind, not a retirement.
Yuma Kagiyama, the Japanese figure skater who has twice won Olympic silver medals, announced he will pause competition for the upcoming season. In an interview, he said he will use this time to consider whether to continue pursuing his goal at the next Winter Olympics.
Kagiyama, 22, made a strong impression at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, winning silver in the men's singles event and a silver medal in the team event. However, after a long and pressure-filled season, he decided he needed a break to recharge and make a decision about his future.
“I want to take time to seriously think about whether I still want to continue competing at the highest level. This is a moment to listen to my body and mind,” Kagiyama shared.
He stressed that the break does not mean retirement but is a strategic step to prepare for long-term goals, including the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. “If I decide to come back, I want to come back stronger,” he added.
According to the Japan Skating Federation, they fully support Kagiyama's decision and will provide the necessary conditions for his rest. In the meantime, Kagiyama plans to participate in some exhibition events and stay in touch with his coaching team.
