Athlete Shoma Uno sets no boundaries for self-improvement [Sports Stories]

Shoma Uno, a top-level figure skater and employee at the Toyota Sports & Corporate Citizenship Dept., is preparing for the next Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. The Japanese athlete, known for his unique approach to thinking and insatiable quest for growth, has already made a name for himself as a silver medalist at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.

Uno's victory at the PyeongChang Games secured him a spot in the 2018-19 Grand Prix Final, and he went on to win the 2018 NHK Trophy, the fourth competition in the series. Despite his success, Uno remains humble and focused, finding joy in experiencing achievements through hard work.

Uno's approach to skating is one of continuous self-challenge and improvement. He prefers to find his own answers rather than relying on others, and he does not believe in the concept of 'perfection' or 'limits' in his skating career. This mindset has served him well, as he has not had any injuries during the off-season and practices are going smoothly.

Before a competition, Uno adjusts to the surrounding environment and prioritizes listening to his own feelings. He does not have any specific rituals before competing, and his comments and demeanor often come off as "cute, natural, and my pace".

Uno views his main competitor as himself, and he does not feel pressure from watching other skaters perform. He aspires to never fall back and keep on thrusting forward in his skating career. Despite his success, Uno remains confident in his performance and enjoys both growth and hardships.

As the curtain rises on Uno's challenge towards the next Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see what he will achieve. With his love for figure skating, insatiable quest for growth, and unique approach to thinking, there's no doubt that Uno will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.