Medalist (2025) s01e10 Episode Script

1
It's been a year
since my first competition,
and now I'm at my second Meikoh Cup.
Yes! A double flip, double toe loop,
and double loop.
It's like she was born
with that combo in her!
Inori Yuitsuka's score is 58.19.
She is currently in first place.
Awesome!
Right on!
We will now commence
the award ceremony
for the Level Five Women's Free Skate.
In first place, from Lux Higashiyama FSC,
Inori Yuitsuka.
Thank you.
I entered the sixth grade
and I passed my fifth Badge Test.
Only one more level to go
and then I can compete against Hikaru.
Inori's really amazing, isn't she?
That asshole.
Hey, get out of Nagoya,
you shit-for-brains.
Leave Hikaru alone.
You know Hikaru doesn't even need you,
to become an Olympian, right?
How dare you call yourself a coach!
You don't even come to meets.
So what's your deal?
What are you getting out of coaching?
It's obvious that you don't
even wanna be here.
You don't even love skating
like my dad does.
Hey! Don't ignore me!
You're in Hikaru's way, you bastard!
After you all but ran from skating!
Do you need me to spell it out for you?
You're reading Hikaru entirely wrong,
which makes you
the biggest thing in her way.
HOWLING AT NIGH
A triple combo
and a flying camel spin.
It took a lot of intense training to jam
all that in the last half of her program,
but she really pushed herself.
I'm honored to have gotten a front-row
seat to all of Inori's progress this year.
I can't wait to see it all
again in the documentary!
THE ROAD TO BECOMING A MEDALIS
She only has one Badge Test to go.
Once she reaches level six, she'll be able
to compete in Novice A at the All-Japans.
But getting to that next level
is gonna be one heck of a challenge.
Even athletes who started
at the right time hit a wall at level six,
and a lot of them give up.
That wall is the Axel.
Toe loop. Salchow. Loop. Flip. Lutz.
Those are hard enough,
but the final boss of jumps is the Axel.
Lots of skaters quit
because they can't master the double.
I don't understand
why I'm still not landing it.
The first five jumps start backwards,
but the Axel requires you
to be facing forward at takeoff,
meaning you have to add
an extra half rotation
to the spins you're already doing
in order to land it.
- You wanna take a little break?
- Yes.
For the athlete, though,
the extra half rotation takes about
the same power as a full rotation.
Something occurred to me
while I was practicing just now.
About the double Axel?
Instead of two-and-a-half rotations,
it's more like three minus some.
Sounds about right.
Which is why an Axel will always feel
so much harder than other jumps.
Even when they all count as doubles.
And I do feel like my approach
is faster than it was before.
It is.
But the higher your speed,
the greater your centrifugal force.
What's that mean?
Let's see. You know how
when you get going on a teacup ride
and it feels like you're getting pushed
to the outside of the cup?
- Oh, yeah.
- And yet, if you stay in the center
Then you don't get pushed anywhere!
Bingo! Sharp as always!
To execute faster rotations,
it's more important to focus on your axis
rather than your velocity.
Okay! I wanna try that!
Look at her. She's so strong.
- Tsukasa!
- Uh, whatcha need?
- Nothing! It's lunch time! Let's go!
- Okay
Nice to meet you.
Shinichiro Sonidori.
And this here is my son Rioh.
Surprise!
He asked to meet,
so I wanted to bring you along too,
'cause I know you were a huge fan.
The Olympian. The silver medalist.
Yes.
Though I'm here today
as a parent, not a skater,
and I hope that you can understand.
Yes, sir! Of course, sir! I'm so sorry!
Let me properly introduce you.
This is our assistant coach, Mr. Aki
Aka
- Oh I'm Tsukasa Akeuraji.
- That's it.
All these years and she still can't
figure out how to say my last name.
So, uh, what is it
that brings you out here today?
Right. My son has been concerned
with his progress at Meikoh
so he's interested in training
with you at Lux Higashiyama.
I told him he could for a week or two.
What I actually want is to transfer there
permanently. But Dad says I can't.
Sounds like there's a story in there.
Why is it that you wanna come to Lux?
Mostly just 'cause Sota's there.
- Oh, are you buddies then?
- Yay!
You haven't gotten to skate together
since you were beginners,
so I'm sure you miss him these days!
I guess, but it doesn't really matter
what club I join.
Long as I can get away from
that crabby old fart at Meikoh.
Rioh!
"Old fart"?
He's obviously not talking about his dad.
Does he mean Jun Yodaka?
I remember seeing that
Sonidori is listed as Hikaru's coach,
so something's definitely weird here.
Currently, all the other boys
in my club are seniors.
There's no one Rioh's age.
So for the sake of his motivation,
I thought it would be best if he skate
with you for a while, Coach Takamine.
Well, that's not a problem at all,
we would love to have him.
But would you mind if he works
with Tsukasa instead?
- Huh?
- He's a little green.
It's only his first year coaching.
But he's already proven himself
a great asset to the club.
During his probation period,
he took his very first student from Prelim
all the way up to level five like that.
If you want to see
Rioh transform even a little,
Coach Tsukasa is the man for the job.
- Right?
- Hey
That's all right by me.
If he comes with your recommendation,
Coach, I couldn't ask for more.
So if you're on board
Oh, gosh! It would be my honor.
Not him.
Uh?
I only want to be trained
by the head coach. 'Kay?
Rioh! Don't be rude!
Hmm, well, if he doesn't want Tsukasa,
that's that!
I don't actually care. Do whatever.
It's not like I have Dad's
or Hikaru's talent anyway.
- Coach Akeuraji.
- Oh, yes, sir.
No, no. Please.
I apologize that my failings as
an instructor now fall to you to remedy.
Forgive me. I hope
Rioh will flourish under you.
An Olympic silver medalist
is bowing to me.
ICE SKATING RINK
So starting today, we'll be doing
group lessons for a little while!
Say hello to Rioh Sonidori.
He
I wasn't talking to you, you ugly shrimp!
He'll be at training camp
with you next week, too!
Sota!
Rioh! What's up? Why are you here?
I got sick of Meikoh so I'm gonna be
practicing with you guys for a while.
What? That's awesome!
Hey, you got your Switch?
I do, but let's hurry up
and get out on the ice!
Sota, this is great!
You'll definitely jump better if you keep
your hands closer to your chest.
His dad's right, he does look happy
to be skating with another boy his age.
He's having fun.
You know, Rioh said
he's in level five, too.
Is he really?
FRIEND RADAR
You slow yourself down, otherwise.
Yeah, I'll give it a shot.
- So, Rioh.
- Hey, Inori.
A little birdie told me
we're both in level five.
- We should be friend--
- Uh, who are you?
Inori Yuitsuka.
Wow!
A beautiful double Axel
with a smooth extension on the landing.
The elegance of that check pose
makes me think
he definitely got
his dad's flexible ankles.
How can you tell?
Well, I watched him a lot.
I was kinda obsessed with him
in middle school.
DISTANCE - HEIGH
But they are different. Coach Sonidori's
rotations rely on a higher jump
with a super precise axis,
whereas Rioh's all about range.
Either way, that was clean,
though I bet Rioh could get a tighter spin
if he works on establishing his axis
just a little earlier.
That was amazing, Rioh.
You can do a double Axel.
It's whatever.
Huh?
If I can't do a triple at this point,
I'm wasting my time.
What? Why do you need a triple?
Part of the men's level six Badge Test
is doing a triple-double combination,
and if you can't do it,
they don't pass you.
Really? Is that true?
Don't act like we're the same just because
we're both in level five right now.
Men's skating is harder than women's,
and we're allowed to compete
in Novice A from level four.
I see. I didn't know.
Well, in that case, I take it the next big
milestone for you is passing level six.
Hmm?
Then we still have the same goal.
Rioh! That really was
a beautiful jump earlier.
Yeah, yeah. "It's just like
Shinichiro Sonidori's," I know.
- I've heard that a million times
- No,
it's a totally different jump
from your dad's!
Wha--
HEIGH
When it comes to your dad, he's got
a high jump with a really tall vertical.
But you luxuriate in a long jump
and cover a ton of distance,
which is awesome.
I was also really impressed how smoothly
you can adjust your stance in midair.
That must have taken a lot
of trial and error to figure out,
and it really paid off!
And on top of that, all the angles
in your check pose are great!
That commitment to detail is a beaut.
It's not enough to explain your skills
in terms that are purely physical!
I just know you're gonna become
an incredible athlete!
This grown-ass adult is
complimenting me so much.
I'm so happy.
But I don't feel like
I can fully accept any of this.
- Like what if someone sees
- It takes a lot of effort
how it's affecting me?
You're reading Hikaru entirely wrong.
You're the biggest thing in her way.
- "Incredible athlete"
- What?
Do you realize how many boys my age
have already blown way past level six?
With my pedigree, I should
have managed it a long time ago.
Oh. I don't think--
Yeah, obviously you didn't think
that one through!
Don't get all excited
just 'cause he praised you a little.
It's not like it means anything.
The only reason he can act that positive
is because he doesn't know what I know.
Hikaru?
See?
Yes, sir.
Then learn it.
Yes, sir!
Jun Yodaka. Hikaru Kamisaki.
Once I had seen
that kind of inhuman talent,
I knew I'd never be optimistic
about my future again.
I'm not gonna be pleased with myself
just because I learned
- a couple of tricks.
- Rioh?
Rioh!
What's the matter?
Nothing. My lesson's over
so I'm going home.
Now?
So, your coach. Who is that guy? Spill it.
Oh! He's, uh Coach Aki I mean Ake
That's Coach Tsukasa!
What all has he done?
Uh, he used to ice dance.
Wow, that's it?
Awful.
So this random dude with no real career
is gonna teach me a bunch of bad habits?
He won't!
Maybe I don't get what you mean,
but don't worry!
I've been working with him for a while
and his skating's really pretty.
- Coach Tsuk--
- Yeah, well, I bet any coach
would look that way
to someone as crappy as you are, so
You don't know what you're talking about.
Okay, so fill me in.
Have you seen him jump? Can he do an Axel?
I'm not sure, but
That's what I thought.
You only get one athletic career.
Putting your fate in the hands of someone
with no achievements is a huge gamble.
Seriously. If you're going for the top,
you should switch coaches now.
See ya.
I'm gonna win!
I will. Just wait.
Great! Then just try us!
I can win just fine! I'm gonna beat Hikaru
whether Jun Yodaka is teaching her or not!
What?
We'll show you all!
Congratulations on passing
level seven, Hikaru.
Is it true you passed them all
on your first try?
What? You're a genius!
FAIL
You don't stand a chance!
- Yes, I do!
- You're gonna fail!
I'm gonna win!
I'm gonna land that double Axel
and compete at the All-Japans in Novice A.
You hear me?
And I'll beat Hikaru!
What the hell?
You're crazy. You obviously don't know
what you're up against.
Being level six or landing a double Axel
is the bare minimum you--
I can do it!
What is wrong with her?
Has she never seen Hikaru perform?
It's not like you can win
with determination alone.
She's deluding herself!
I just don't get it.
How can she talk like that?
And how does she actually believe it?
I wish
I could be that confident.
Hmm? Inori? What's going on?
Your dad is your coach, right?
And he was on the podium with Mr. Yodaka
a whole lot back in the day,
- in the Olympics
- Yeah. What's your point?
My point is that
even if you do have Coach Sonidori,
I'm gonna land a triple-double
combination before you!
I'm gonna prove to you
just how great Coach Tsukasa is!
That's not good.
Hey, hey! You two better not be fighting!
Coach Tsukasa.
What's the problem here?
I, um It's nothing! Don't worry about it!
It's none of your business, okay?
I heard my name a little too much
for that to be the case!
I said
it's none of your business!
Inori, wait!
Not the changing room.
Rioh.
Oh. This is so awkward.
What do you want?
Nothing. Let's just talk
for a second before you leave.
Is this about the argument?
'Cause if it is
Well, that too, I guess.
But, mostly,
I just want to get to know you better.
For starters, why don't you tell me
why it is you started skating?
Huh? My dad is an Olympian, so
he literally forced me to start, why else?
Can I go? 'Cause talking to you
is, like, super irritating.
I'll still come to practice,
but for real, leave me alone.
Coach Tsukasa!
Listen! I wanna pass level six
this summer no matter what!
And I wanna learn a triple-double combo
so I can compete
at the All-Japans in Novice A!
So, please help me make that happen!
Goodbye!
W-wait, Inori! Your books!
Oof, I'm sorry.
Now let's talk about
what you were saying earlier
Do you think
that'll be too difficult?
Well, considering
our current pace,
nailing the double Axel for your next exam
is gonna be work enough.
I'm not so sure it would be wise to try
to cram a triple double in there too.
And what if I start
practicing even harder?
I understand how you feel, I do.
But you're already at max capacity
when it comes to training.
If you push it any further,
you'll risk shin splints again.
Yeah, I don't want that.
Now, we could change up
our practice methods,
maybe speed up your progression
a little bit that way.
But, I gotta tell ya, you're already
progressing at an incredibly fast rate.
Prelims to level five
in a single year is pretty insane.
RATE OF GROWTH
Will you tell me what
you and Rioh were fighting about?
'Cause if he said something
that hurt your feelings, Inori,
we can figure it out together.
Tensions are rising on the rink
as people gear up for nationals.
Maybe it's just the atmosphere
that's getting to her.
But I mean She's obviously got
something bottled up in there.
What! What were they talking about?
- Um I Well, I
- Hmm?
I'm taller than I was last year!
I grew four whole centimeters!
Not only that, but I passed my endurance
test at school with flying colors.
And they said that for stuff
like running and mat exercises,
I'm in the top five of all the kids
in my entire grade level!
I went from the girl who can't do anything
to the girl who's good at sports!
I'm a totally different person
than I was a year ago.
I'm trying to tell you I'm better at stuff
now, whether I'm on the ice or not!
Watch this!
A double Axel? Inori, you
See? I can do it on land.
And I'm gonna prove to you
that I can do a triple-double combo, too!
That was incredible!
Inori, that was a straight-up double Axel!
Two and a half rotations,
how'd you do that?
I finally got it down just the other day.
But I still can't do it on ice, obviously.
I can't believe this.
I thought she couldn't do it because
she didn't have the muscle tone yet,
but if she can do it on land,
she's more than capable.
So it's technique.
We can do so much more with this.
I take it back. Let's do
a mini-intensive at training camp.
Intensive?
Yeah. Let's do it. All-Japans Novice.
The same stage as Hikaru Kamisaki.