Medalist

Medalist immerses readers in the intense, elegant world of figure skating, following Tsukasa Akeuraji, a young coach grappling with past failures, and Inori Yuitsuka, a passionate young girl determined to succeed on the ice. What struck me most deeply while reading was the vividly realistic portrayal of the sport’s technical intricacies and psychological challenges. The exhilarating scene of Inori landing her first successful jump was portrayed with such authenticity and excitement that it felt as though I was right there on the rink myself. Moreover, the manga’s thoughtful explanations of skating rules and scoring systems ensure that even complete newcomers to the sport can enjoy and appreciate its nuances.

April 20, 2025

What resonated personally with me in Medalist was the profound internal struggles and pressures faced by Tsukasa and Inori. Tsukasa’s journey of overcoming his past disappointments and failures through mentoring Inori deeply touched me, while Inori’s struggles with self-esteem despite others’ expectations echoed my own past anxieties, bringing tears to my eyes more than once. The steadily deepening bond between coach and student adds emotional richness to the narrative, transcending the limits of a typical sports manga and exploring themes of human growth, trust, and resilience in profoundly moving ways. Ultimately, this manga reaffirmed for me the beauty and necessity of hard work. In today’s world, where social media often promotes quick, effortless paths to wealth, Medalist powerfully reminds readers that genuine success—especially in sports—can only be achieved through sincere dedication and tireless effort.

April 20, 2025