To Be Good Vs Seasoned – Medalist

I really do believe that some shows come along at the same right time.

I am flying through anime watching and am currently going to have plenty to discuss in my upcoming anime diary but one series I finished bingeing recently, hit the cord of “I know where you are in life right now”. These moments hit when you’re having a mid life crisis or an emotional mess, guess I opt for the mid-life crisis option for me personally. Finding things to be or are good at requires so much work or you have natural born talent, I have felt personally in the crisis bubble of having to work hard to feel self decent towards a hobby I was going to drop. This very feeling I was confronted with from watching the first episode of The Medalist.

Rising From Within

The Medalist follows 11 year old Inori who dreams of becoming a professional skater but with no support system from her family due to her sisters cut short skating career, ice skating is considered a taboo. Meeting Tsukasa with whom his own skating past baggage offers to coach Inori with the natural skater ability she possesses. The anime is far from done as this is based off season one and season two actually airs 25th January as I write this but it was too good to not mention because it’s so good. Inori’s lost view on the world gripped so tight for me wanting to find the one thing she might be good at. The opposition she faces due to her mothers welfare concern for her and own fear to let the reins go digs deep but also understands the kindness behind.

Story composition is solid and emotional placement is perfect for where things are going to head because episode one had me in tears (in a good way). Inori’s desperate pleas towards her mothers resistance reflect the distance between both and how skating closes that gap eventually. This aspect I find relates with myself as the one hobby I mentioned before that I’ve had to work hard towards: horse riding. A lot of people start at a younger age and by their teens they are considered seasonally good and experienced. I’ve been doing it for the past five years and still can’t do full canter. I had a nasty fall previous year while cantering for the second time and didn’t want to touch the skillset. I haven’t been able to get over that fear. Inor’s coach Tsukasa sees the potential in her but when we look at ourselves, negativity is all you see. Digging deep is not the only ingredient to finding the sweat and tears for yourself, without a support system in whatever capacity, it’s easy to feel impossible.

Inori had the within element she just needed the right thing to come along: skating to let herself find self belief. It’s not the same case for me but the support of her coach plays a major role in finding herself as this series is what it’s really about. All told through an adult lens through Inori’s efforts and emotional outbursts of determination and passion. Taking a break at the end of last year for 3 months, I have since found a supportive place that makes me feel confident in my riding again, slowly attempting canter. I feel the overwhelm of some confidence in myself that we are going to be able to reach a skillset of trail rides and pleasure riding. Inori’s character is full of such passion that caught me off guard and possibly made me cry, towards my own thoughts of not continuing my own hobby. I think that should say how emotionally powerful this series will be but already is.

High Tier Production

It’s undeniable the production levels of this anime, use of 2D and CGI blended animation my god works. The skating scenes are amazing and how in a way I wish Yuri On Ice had been during the skating sequences. I am glad an anime like the Medalist was adapted in the style it was, giving hope for the future more sports anime could incorporate these two animation styles. Encompassing the well-chosen music tracks during the skating scenes made you feel like you are at the Olympics, capturing that essence I don’t think is easy by any means especially for an anime. Everything is transparent during the skating sequences even down to the finer moments, you have to appreciate the production quality when it comes along like this. 

Skating Unmasked

Aside from Inori’s upward journey being the show’s golden star for me, the other aspect is the cut throat reality that lies behind pursuing sports like skating. This goes without saying in any sport, especially as a career. Inori’s mothers hesitation in the beginning sets the tone for the show that sunshine and rainbows are not here. Following Tsukasa’s past lows with skating is another example later on of losing your purpose in what you start doing. All these emotional sequences you’re following with the characters are the perfect instance to find relation with. I think it’s done effortlessly especially with those hilarious facial expressions that take the edge off the heavy when it rolls in.

Unlike Yuri On Ice for me regarding cut throat comparison of pursuing sports like skating The Medalist takes home the trophy for that one. Tsukasa is a fair coach toward Inori not shying away from what is difficult, a teacher, instructor etc should be fair but also show understanding. Tsukasa is a little rough around the edges of becoming a coach but he possesses the right heart for it and will only grow more confident. I think Inori and him work well together from being overthinkers and self doubters, when two are the same and are working towards the same goal then I think you bring out the best of yourselves then. 

The Medalist is surely a unique gem if you ask me for emotionally powerful, heart-warming characters, and stunning animation quality. If you are someone who is not a sports person or sports anime lover then this series will change everything for you. Anime like this that come along like this and change the game on that front. I truly enjoyed season one and I’m here for wherever things go. This show sure came along at the right moment for me. You can watch on Disney +

See you next post! 

Lita xx