Watanabe and Glenn Showcase Triple Axels in Grand Prix Competition
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A strong showing of technical skill, particularly the triple Axel, highlighted performances by skaters Watanabe Rinka and Glenn, as they vied for top positions in a recent Grand Prix event. Watanabe secured a notable second-place finish, while Glenn claimed third, both demonstrating resilience and artistry on the ice.
Watanabe’s Resurgent Performance
Watanabe Rinka delivered a powerful short program, earning 74.01 points and signaling a significant comeback after a disappointing seventh-place finish at the Trialeti Trophy in October. Opening with a triple Axel, Watanabe immediately asserted her competitive spirit, despite a slightly imperfect landing. She then flawlessly executed a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination and a triple loop, demonstrating her technical prowess.
The Japanese skater revealed a deeply personal struggle leading up to this event. “After the Challenger event in Georgia I cried a lot and thought about quitting skating,” she told Golden Skate. “But last week I worked really hard and finally I had a great short program! So I feel perfect, really happy.” This emotional turnaround underscores her dedication and mental fortitude.
Watanabe faced an unexpected challenge when she was forced to change her short program at the last minute due to music copyright issues with her original selection. She ultimately chose a program from the 2022-23 season, set to music from Moulin Rouge, a piece that had previously brought her success. “I got that feeling that I really want to skate to Roxanne again, and now finally I skated a perfect Roxanne,” she stated.
Glenn’s Battle Through Challenges
Like Watanabe, Glenn began her program with her signature triple Axel. However, her performance was slightly marred by a hand touching the ice during a subsequent triple flip-triple toe loop combination, resulting in a deduction. Additionally, her final spin was assessed at level 3, impacting her overall score.
Despite these setbacks, Glenn remained determined. “Today I wasn’t feeling my best, but I really fought out there and I’ve been really practicing extremely hard,” she explained to Golden Skate. “I let my training kind of take over. There were just little mistakes here and there.” This highlights the importance of consistent training and mental resilience in competitive figure skating.
Both skaters demonstrated the demanding nature of the sport, navigating technical challenges and personal obstacles to deliver compelling performances on the Grand Prix stage. Their commitment to improvement and artistry promises exciting developments as the season progresses.
