The Japan Times article:Uno favored to take title at Skate America by Jack Gallagher
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/?post_type=sports&p=1056229#disqus_thread
Love to share this article, especially the second half.
Growing legacy: It is always interesting in life to see how in retrospect certain individuals are regarded after their time in the spotlight has ended.
Athletes, artists, authors, actors and politicians are often viewed differently with the passage of time. Some are more highly thought of after they have stepped out of the arena, than when they were in it.
Ice Time came across something very interesting along these lines recently. It was a retrospective on 2010 world champion Daisuke Takahashi put together by a skating fan in Romania who chronicled the top 10 competitive programs of his career. Use Your Illusion (iguana012.tumblr.com) is the name of the site and it provides links to all of the programs listed in its “skating reviews” section.
The Okayama native, who was the 2002 world junior champion, retired from competition after finishing sixth at the Sochi Olympics while skating with a leg injury. Takahashi bowed out having enjoyed a long and successful career.
Now there is no question that Takahashi was highly regarded by fans and those in the skating world while he was active, but as time goes on the beautiful artistry that he exhibited on the ice is gaining greater recognition.
Use Your Illusion rated Takahashi’s top 10 programs as follows:
1. “In The Garden of Souls” (2011-12 short program).
2. “La Strada” (2009-10 free skate).
3. “Blues for Klook” (2011-12 free skate).
4. “Swan Lake Hip-Hop” (2007-08 short program).
5. “Eye” (2009-10 short program).
6. “Sonatina for Violin in C-sharp minor” (2013-14 short program).
7. “Beatles Medley” (2013-14 free skate).
8. “El Tango de Roxanne” (2006-07 short program).
9. “Historia de un Amor/Que Rico El Mambo” (2010-11 short program).
10. “Invierno Porteno/Primavera Portena” (2010-11 free skate).
A significant review of each program is listed on the site, along with a photo from that performance. It is a very creative way to salute a skater who made a profound impact on those who watch the sport.
Shoma Uno is one skater who lists Takahashi as his idol.
Ice Time can recall being contacted by fans who said they bought tickets to multiple show performances over multiple days by Takahashi. That is how intense of a following he had at his peak.
The site’s creator, Ioana, refers to herself as an “average 25-year-old girl from Romania” who is “mostly introverted with a lame sense of humor.”
Ice Time recommends all skating fans check out this excellent compilation from the career of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic bronze medalist. It will be well worth your while.
It’s so nice to know that I’m not the only one who misses Daisuke. Well, guess I’m one of those aunties then. 😄