Post by Admin on Jan 13, 2020 19:03:50 GMT
Coming into the free skate, Kagiyama trailed Russians Andrei Mozalev and Daniil Samsonov. But a remarkably clean and accomplished routine, and an unfortunate fall from Mozalev, earned him 239.17 points in total and top spot on the podium.
“I’m super happy and this gives me strong confidence moving towards future tournaments,” said Kagiyama, 16. “Free skating is my favourite [programme], so I didn’t feel any pressure. I was wondering how many points I could get, but I thought I could do my best. Beijing 2022 is the target for me right now.”
Despite their disappointment, the future of Russian figure skating still seems in safe hands. Mozalev, 16, won silver and Samsonov, 14, took the bronze. In an earlier session Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov won the pairs in fine style ahead of compatriots Diana Mukhametzianova and Ilya Mironov.
“I did a big mistake on my axel, unfortunately, and then a small mistake after that, so I didn’t do everything I could to win,” said Mozalev of his misfortune. “But now I will work towards Beijing. This has been a good experience.”
The Lausanne Skating Arena was packed with enthusiastic supporters, and erupted at Kagiyama’s victory.
With such a loud crowd in place, the main challenge facing most of the young field was nerves.
“That is the biggest crowd I’ve ever skated in front of, by some distance,” said Liam Kapeikis (USA), 15, who finished 10th.
“For my first skate the other day in the short programme, I was extremely nervous. I think it affected me and I was a little rushy. But today, I knew what was about to happen a little bit more, so I was prepared for it, and less worried.
“It’s great to get that kind of experience, because you know that’s going to help you in the future. I guess that’s the whole point of the Youth Olympics.
“The crowd is amazing, and the best thing is that they are really positive. Whether you do a good or bad skate, they are cheering you on, and keeping everyone going.”