#4cc 2022

友野一希 Kazuki Tomono (JPN)

I have actively gotten into watching Figure Skating this season. I accidentally saw that the European Championships were on while channel surfing and I was sucked into it. Then the 4CC came around followed by the Olympics. Oh, I knew that the season with the Olys is usually the most dramatic one, but I did not expect peak drama to be that high.

The entire season was a roller coaster - I rooted for Deniss Vasiljevs and Estonian skaters at the Euros, I rooted for the Japanese team at the 4CC and for the Team Event at the Olys, I rooted so hard for Yuzuru, Wakaba and Kaori for the single events. Then the Worlds happened and I wanted to see Shoma and Yuma on the podium as well as Kaori and Wakaba. Even though Wakaba did not medal, it was still one of the best competitions I have ever seen (I have watched previous competitions in other seasons, but never consistently).

I decided to give it a try with the Junior Worlds as well and I somehow ended up enjoying watching that competition far more than the senior ones. Less stress and drama because the skaters are still in development. It was definitely a wild ride.

I am happy that the season is over because my mental health needs a break. I'm getting ready to (hopefully) see FaOI streaming next month and get my dose of Summer Yuzuru Hanyu.

I truly hope that the next season will be much better than this one, that ISU will get its shit together (that's just wishful thinking), that the skaters will work on their weaknesses and that there will be less drama.

The teams and skaters that I ended up loving this season:

Team Japan (all skaters had my undivided attention, but Yuzuru is up there holding my heart hostage and I will forever be upset that I did not try harder to watch the Olys back in 2018)

Deniss Vasiljevs - such a great skater who values artistry and it shows - I can't wait to see how he evolves for the next season

Donovan Carrillo - this one won the hearts of everyone, I'm sure

Team Korea (Junhwan, Young, Hae-in - I had my fingers crossed so hard while watching them + Nao and Masaya, the Junior ice dancers)

Ekaterina Kurakova - such a joy to watch

Karen Chen - she deserved better