Grand Prix Final 2023: Uno Shoma to block out the noise and lock in on title defense
In what is shaping up to be a tightly contested field at the end-of-season Grand Prix Final 2023, the reigning men's champion from Japan will seek to repeat in Beijing following a judging uproar at the NHK Trophy two weeks ago, and shared his outlook with us in an exclusive interview.
Figure Skating
Uno Shoma couldn’t understand it.
In his eyes, the defending Grand Prix Final and two-time world champion skated out of his boots in the free program at the NHK Trophy a couple of weeks ago, good enough to overtake Kagiyama Yuma for the men's title.
But to the amazement of Uno - as well as a considerable section of those who witnessed events in Osaka, Japan - he was judged to have under-rotated four quadruple jumps, finishing runner-up to Kagiyama by less than two points.
Still raw the day after, Uno was honest and earnest as ever in an exclusive conversation with Olympics.com about what had transpired, ahead of the ISU Grand Prix Final 2023 starting on Thursday (7 December) in Beijing.
“When I woke up this morning, I felt sad. I even dreamt about it,” Uno said on 26 November, gala exhibition day of the NHK Trophy.
“Yesterday, I thought I was fantastic. But even though I thought I was fantastic, it didn’t translate to points and there was a part of me that felt really sad about it.
“I’m not sure what to say and how to feel about it; I don’t know if there is a right answer. But I’ve always been up front and will continue to be. I just think it’s a shame that yesterday’s performance wasn’t recognised the way it should’ve been.
“I watched film and I can honestly say that I can’t do any better. I’m going to stay the course. And if I end up with similar marks, maybe I’ve hit my ceiling.”
Uno Shoma: "Close to my peak right now"
On Wednesday (6 December), the eve of the men’s short program, Uno was on the rink at Beijing’s National Indoor Stadium going through the motions with the five other finalists in what is being hyped to be a very level men’s field.
That includes his Japanese compatriots Kagiyama and Miura Kao, as well as the in-form French duo of Adam Siao Him Fa and Kevin Aymoz and last but not least, the “Quad God” Ilia Malinin.
Uno looked sharp practicing his program, sticking all his jumps and carrying over his form from the NHK Trophy as he said he would - and then some. The word “surprised” came out of his mouth.
“I asked (coach Stephane Lambiel) and he asked me back, ’Is it the ice or you?’” the 25-year-old told reporters. “He thought it was maybe both.
“Let’s see how it goes tomorrow. But I’m not going to take a backseat.”
Uno had said in Osaka that he currently feels as good as he ever has been in his career.
“Score aside, I think I’m performing close to my peak right now,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can and there’s no question I’m in very good form at the moment.
“(Lambiel) told me I was brilliant. It was his biggest compliement since the world championships two years ago.
“I was good then but this time, I jumped better and in the short turnaround since the Cup of China, I made all the adjustments I had to in practice and in competition. Stephane was thrilled.”
Can Uno Shoma retain his Grand Prix Final crown?
Uno Shoma - the strength to not change
Uno has openly admitted that going into the 2023-24 season he struggled to find motivation following a campaign in which he won virtually everything.
But after hearing that a resurgent Kagiyama looked up to him at the NHK Trophy, he rediscovered some of the lost mojo, feeling compelled to get on with it.
Uno says he doesn’t mind the burden of shouldering the gaze of younger skaters like Kagiyama or competing with a bull’s eye on his back.
“It’s not as tough as I thought it would be. I used to think it might be. Whether you’re being chased or the one doing the chasing, you can appreciate both. Either way, it hasn’t really changed me.
“The way I see it, you can either challenge or seek perfection.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is still too far down the road for Uno to think about - especially when he’s going through what he’s going through right now.
Maybe Uno will show up at a third Olympic Games and maybe he won’t. But one thing is certain: Uno will be Uno, as he will be on Thursday in Beijing - and as long as he keeps on skating.
“I don’t know if I’ll still be around for Milano but speaking on the assumption that I am, I don’t think I’d approach anything differently. It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to change.
“I generally don’t think too far ahead but if I’m competing at the next Olympics, I wouldn’t do anything differently. The way I skate now is the way I envision skating, period.
“If it’s not good enough then so be it.”