INTERVIEWS WITH SHOMA AFTER HIS FIRST OFFICIAL PRACTICE, FEBRUARY 7TH

“I think I was able to practice just like I always do everyday without feeling any nerves. The ice is neither too hard nor too soft. My coach and I were just now talking about how my jumps here have more height than the ones I land at practices in Japan. I think I was able to land some nice jumps today. But my normal pattern is that when my condition is good at the beginning, it goes down later on, so I’m sure I’ll have ups and and downs throughout these next few weeks, but I would like to continue on without having to rush. I would like to take all of it in and not push anything away. As of now, I don’t have a mental image of myself at the Olympics nor any sense of reality. I’m expecting more nerves and uncertainty as I move forward. I think I have been able to practice really adequately these past few weeks, and because of that, I don’t really feel anxious about anything. The only thing I’m anxious about now is that I’ll forget my ID card somewhere, because if I do, I’ll be screwed (laughs). I say this at every competition, but I hope I can end this competition with a smile. (When asked about the Olympic rings on the ice) Sorry, I wasn’t looking for it at all… The scale is different but it kind of feels like I’m at the Youth Olympics or the Asian Winter Games. (When asked about the team event) This time, I would like to compete with all my might so I can give it my all. I hope I’ll be able to contribute to the team event even if it’s very little, and use this experience wisely at the individual event.“