Tsukasa Akeuraji always dreamed of becoming a competitive solo figure skater, but starting too late in life meant his ambitions never got off the ground. Now barely scraping by, he takes on an assistant coach job, resigned to a future far from the one he once imagined.
Before his first day, Tsukasa meets Inori Yuitsuka, a shy fifth grader sneaking into the rink to practice. Captivated by figure skating, but held back by her mother's overprotectiveness and her own self-doubt, Inori has never been encouraged to pursue her passion until she encounters Tsukasa. Beneath her personality lies great potential, waiting to be unlocked with the right guidance.
Moved by Inori's determination to change and reminded of his own struggles, Tsukasa offers to coach and help her chase the dream she has been too afraid to voice. While the road ahead is long and filled with unfamiliar challenges and rival skaters, Inori dedicates herself to the art and strives to one day reach the Olympics and become a medalist.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
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KANLen09
Medalist — Simply…Truly, Madly, Deeply: Magnifique. As a performing arts major, I lament the landscape of the AniManga industry that produces a lot of garbage content and do not go the road less travelled because there is a handful of unique things to cover, especially when it comes to sports and the like. Sure, you have the likes of Haikyuu! and Slam Dunk! when it comes to basketball, or hell, even the Indian sport of kabaddi, which was covered by mangaka Hajime Musashino's Shakunetsu Kabaddi a.k.a Burning Kabaddi. Above all, when it comes to figure skating, we all already know MAPPA's Yuri!!! on Ice as themassive and popular series representing the sport, but did you know that there's another new contender in this aspect?
If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then yes, it's the sports drama that is mangaka Tsurumaikada's Medalist, which since its serialization in May 2020, has gone on to be nominated for many awards and even won prestigious ones like the Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2023, as well as Kodansha's Manga Award for 2 years in a row in 2023 and 2024. That should tell you how great of a masterpiece the source material is, at least for Tsurumaikada's first ever work. And when it comes to ENGI's adaptation of the source material this Winter season, I have to say that it's an absolute cinema unlike anything you've ever seen (or since Yuri!!! on Ice).
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." - Anatole France
A girl whose age is defined as "too old" to participate in a sport that should be cultivated since young and a man whose ambitions of trying his hardest to achieve victory turn short too many times that he's all but given up at this point. This is the remarkable underdog story of 11-year-old Inori Yuitsuka and Tsukasa Akeuraji, whose fate hangs in the balance against the known negatives in their way, where the two words "Give Up" resonate much of their current predicament, just as in Coldplay's song Fix You: "When you try your best, but you don't succeed." But as fate would have it, for the girl who dreams of becoming a world-class figure skater, and whose older sister failed in this once, leaving their mother in distress over plunging her funds into yet another child of theirs with much uncertainty, meets the man so keen on his competitive skating that winning is a bittersweet victory that's hard to come by, forms a partnership where it's a win-win solution for Inori, who is allowed to pursue her dreams before she hits middle school age, and Tsukasa, who against all odds, refuses to back down from fights of negativity and turns them into opportunities for the former to grow extensively. It's your typical underdog story, but it's done with so much heart and soul that you can feel it in your bones, every sense of it.
"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." - Colin Powell
In fact, for such an esteemed work like this, you would think that the author him/herself must have the experience for all that's to be attributed to figure skating, right? You would be wrong. Born in Aichi Prefecture, the story takes place in Nagoya, where Tsurumaikada is from, and with no experience in the sport itself, he/she took on a month-long figure skating class held at Nagoya Sporta Centre in Osu in the Naka ward just to understand how the sport works before beginning to pen out Medalist in the way he/she likes it. This is truly motivational for someone going out of his/her way to write a work on something that not most people can or are willing to go to an extent to try out figure skating and, in more ways than one, sums up Tsurumaikada's own underdog story starting from scratch to then becoming the well-known author he/she is today.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." - Yoko Ono
If anything, Medalist's strongest suit is in its characters, mainly due to the insanity of the strong and perfect chemistry of Inori and Tsukasa. Inori may be "too old" at 11 years of age, but her heart of wanting to be a world-class figure skater is a childhood dream that she's been longing for the longest time, and it instills in the kid within her that nothing is impossible in this world, so long as she can reach out with her hand to reach and fight for it with passion and sheer determination. Inori is like the daughter that most parents would want to have, simply because she's a kid at heart and someone that would chase for her dreams despite the world telling her otherwise. It's that "never give up" spirit that pushes her to the limit to conquer even the most difficult programs and routines that we find ourselves genuinely cheering on her for.
Towards Tsukasa's end, it's in the same way as he sees his young self in Inori, being the young skater who's always on fire for wanting to be better, despite not making it to the podium and finding himself in training after training not just to get by but to prove the point that he still can make it. And this catalyst of Tsukasa is brought down to Inori with an obtuse, cheerful enthusiasm that "sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me." The power of positivity that Tsukasa brings to the table is second to none, and the toxic phrase of "boys will be boys" exudes the now Inori's coach to greater heights, always challenging the perception against people that think that they have peaked and cannot go any further.
Trust me, Inori and Tsukasa are like a father-daughter figure duo who always challenge the notion of "what's normal will never change," as they meet other skaters with reputations far greater than theirs and coaches who want nothing but the best for them, for better or for worse. It's a poignant message that stands the test of time to see the same message but from differing points of view from someone just starting out in the sport and the other having gone through the sport and overcoming his fears from the past to bring fruit to the present with the one who's just getting started. It's one hell of a poignant story with very relatable characters that you can't opt not to take your eyes away from them, not even a glimpse. In other words, any anime with scripts written by Jukki Hanada is a guaranteed masterpiece.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
The beauty of a wonderful adaptation is always sublime, that its presentation will stick with you for a very long time. And courtesy of director Yasutaka Yamamoto and the staff team at ENGI, I have to say that this is BY FAR one of the most beautiful depictions of the blend between 2D and 3DCG that the source material has ever gotten such an upgrade translating onto the small screen. More than realizing that Yasutaka Yamamoto had once directed yet another sports series, Fall 2018's Hinomaruzumou a.k.a Hinomaru Sumo (directed at professional sumo wrestling), it's clear that he understood the assignment going into Medalist, and the results speak for themselves.
We used to chide Kadokawa's subsidiary studio ENGI for their depiction of messy and inconsistent 2D and 3DCG ever since the studio was founded in April 2018, but take one look at Medalist, and it shows a rather stark contrast of a passion project through and through, with no restrictions whatsoever. Even more so is the involvement of actual figure skaters choreographing the skating routines, with the help of retirees Akiko Suzuki (2013 Japanese national champion) and Yuhana Yokoi (2-time Japanese Junior national medalist) alongside active skater Hinano Isobe (2011 Triglav Cup winner). This shows how much blood, sweat, and tears went into the production of the anime, and it's such a rewarding payoff for fans of the manga going into the show, only to come out witnessing that the anime is the superior version of the source material.
The OST composed by Yuki Hayashi is very well done and filled with emotions wrecking the very heart of the soul to oblivion. I'll admit that Kenshi Yonezu's OP song is rather fine, even if it fits the thematics of the show very well. Neguse's ED song, however, changes that rhythm into a childlike song with Inori and her love for earthworms (which is very sweet to see), and the song is really good.
"Yesterday is but today's memory, and tomorrow is today's dream." - Khalil Gibran
To say that Tsurumaikada's Medalist is one of the best Winter 2025 anime by miles and leaps, is just greatly underselling how much this show has done so much for its audience, just by a simple story, very compelling and relatable characters, and a message that while simple, is all the more influential and motivational for anyone being pissed off at life and its mundane records of living. You are what you breathe, and life isn't so limited that options for growth are limitless.
I'll leave you with this quote that sums up Medalist in its tip-top shape:
"Dream and give yourself permission to envision a You that you choose to be."- Joy Page
MidniteAndBeyond
This is currently my anime of the year. This is currently one of my favorite shows of all time. This was so unbelievably perfect in every single way. It had me hooked from episode 1 and in tears all the way to the very end. It's a beautiful story about never giving up on your dreams, but also finding the people who believe in you and want to support you and ensure you never feel hopeless or alone in the world. It's astonishing how one's life path can be completely determined by the support system they have in their childhood. Some dreams are never achievedbecause of lost time that can never be reclaimed. While someone on the brink of despair can be saved and have their whole life turned around all because of ONE person who saw something in them that they weren't able to see in themselves, anymore. But regardless of what was lost and what past life you were were dealt in the past, there's always a path forward. It may not be the one you set out for, but the ability to see your dreams through and smile after loss and hardship will always be attainable. This show spoke to me on such a deep, personal level. That will always be the defining factor in what makes a show an all time favorite for me. It wasn't just because the characters were fantastic or because the music was amazing or because the animation was spectacular. It was because I saw both past and present versions of myself on screen and was able to learn lessons alongside the characters that can lead to a path forward, towards a brighter future in my real life. There's simply no feeling more powerful than seeing yourself in a creative work. If you're feeling lost, burnt out, or alone in your passions, please watch this show. It was such a healing experience for me and I'm thrilled to know that there's still more to come in the future. I don't know if this show will be surpassed by the end of the year, but the impact it had on me is one that will last a lifetime.
10/10
whiteflame55
I don’t really care about figure skating. The vast majority of my knowledge of the sport starts and ends with a ridiculous song about Brian Boitano from the South Park movie. I didn’t watch Yuri on Ice (I know, travesty), and the only times I’d watch figure skating would be when my wife was streaming that part of the Olympics (she’s a fan). So when I heard that Medalist, a manga about figure skating, was winning all the awards and was set to get an anime adaptation, I thought it might be interesting, but didn’t think much of it. Might be an opportunity to seesome solid sakuga with a decently strong “get better despite all the odds” narrative.
…so how is this series so good? Why was it persistently in my top 5 for the season along with all the heavy hitters?
It’s easy to just point to the excellent animation of its skating. CGI animation has come a long way over the years and the different skating styles of its many performers is on full display. Even as someone who just isn’t interested in it as a sport, it was dazzling to watch.
I could also just chalk this up to being a good underdog story. The whole idea of having a character who is “past their prime” when it comes to starting figure skating (difficult to accept for an 11-year-old, though starting early is a must to join the upper echelons of many sports) demonstrate a combination of innate talent and a willingness to work hard and work smart to rise in the ranks is always going to draw audiences in.
But let’s face it: the series would not work without the excellent cast. The characters truly make this experience. It is a breath of fresh air that they let the kids feel like actual kids, but it’s not just down to that.
Obviously, the leads are it’s most elements. Inori doesn’t just feel like a kid, though: she’s got a lot of uncertainties and hang-ups juxtaposed with a real desire to succeed and prove herself. Searching for worms is a sort of comfort for her, a means to succeed at something that she knows she can do and get a tactile sensation that brings her calm, even if most people wouldn’t describe wriggling worms as calming. It also serves as a means to an end, necessary for the limited training she has before the series starts. She has to overcome a sense of dread, both from her and her mother, as they’ve had to experience her older sister’s successes in figure skating only for her hopes to be dashed by a sudden injury. And this doesn’t get glossed over or easily solved, as her mother not only wants to protect Inori from injury, but from the pain of going through so many trials and tribulations only to have them dashed in an instant. It’s great that she and not Tsukasa ends up being the one to convince both herself and her mother that she can do this, accepting both success and failure and coming out stronger for it, and her mother ends up strongly backing her despite continued reservations. Her drive to succeed pushes her to new heights and it’s great to see her believe so strongly in her coach and bounce back from missteps, something many of her fellow skaters struggle with.
If I had to pick, though, Tsukasa is the character that stands tall as my favorite throughout. We don’t immediately learn of his background in pairs skating, the difficulties he had to overcome as someone much later to the sport, or his own feelings of inadequacy drilled into him over the years (the one I can most relate to), but we see hints of all that play out slowly over the course of the season. It’s exceedingly rare for a series to not just give us insight into the athletes, but their coaches and their struggles as well, and there’s a lot to appreciate in how it’s portrayed here. Even better is that, when confronted with someone who actively disparages his credentials in Riou, he wins him over not by wanting to prove himself, but in how well he understands his new pupil and his concerns. Tsukasa’s story could have been the focus of an anime all on its own, and it makes me want to learn more about what specifically happened towards the end of his short skating career.
Though, of course, that isn’t here in this season. We’re not at the point where the real competition is at hand, even though we spent all season working toward it. If anything, though, I think it got there a little fast. I’d have preferred to see more of Inori’s incremental growth rather than skip past several levels in the middle. I think the promise of competition is more interesting than the reality of it, with Hikaru in the background serving as a supportive rival and showcasing the best skating in the show. In the interim, Inori had plenty of competition that served partly as a showcase for her growth and skills, and partially as lower bars for her to aspire towards. The nice part is that they’re all characters with personalities as well, and though we only get to know a few of them (shout out to Riou, Ryouka and Ema in particular), they’re faces I want to see again and again, as are their coaches (particularly love Yuudai, Mario and Shinichirou - man is deadpan even when he’s extremely emotional and it’s amazing). Really, only Jun Yodaka stands as a consistently antagonistic (if occasionally hilarious) foil to both our leads, and likely one of the highest bars they’ll have to reach in the future.
So yes, this series slaps and I love it. Particular shout-out to that scene where Inori pours hot soup on both Jun and Tsukasa’s heads believing they died falling down the stairs. Pure comedy gold.
5iv3_
I'll be honest, I was a little iffy with this show before it came out as ENGI is known for not having the best track record, HOWEVER I believe they've sorta redeemed themselves with this show because it was really great. I thought I'd have an issue with the CGI but it actually looked pretty good and worked really well here. I feel my worries weren't completely unwarranted but I'm glad this turned out much better that I anticipated. I love figure skating as a sport so seeing more and more anime crop up about the topic always makes me happy, and I really thoughtthis show did a good job explaining a bunch of technical terms within the sport while also balancing the essential plot for the show. Having our mains connect over a similar problem and learn to compensate through each other was such a beautiful experience. I really feel for these characters. The emotional moments in this series were really well done too cause I caught myself choking up a bit seeing them struggle. Kinda hurts ❤️🩹. Overall, It was a really wonderful show.
I definitely feel that Medalist was a definite stand out for the Winter Season. I'm eagerly awaiting Season 2 to see where it goes from here! :)
Marinate1016
Since it first aired, it’s been Medalist and then a big gap between the rest of the competition this season. Not only is it anime of the season, but it’s one of the best sports anime of all time with one of the most inspirational protagonists I’ve ever seen and one of the most heartwarming teacher/student dynamics of all time. At its core, Medalist is a story about the positive impact that a great role model can have on a kid. Sometimes you can change someone’s life and give them an ideal to strive towards without even knowing. Inori and Tsukasa’s development and bond madeevery episode so fun to watch, but even more importantly this story speaks to the importance of never giving up on your dreams. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and do the things you want to in life, no matter who may try to detract you, don’t give up. Inori you’re an inspiration to us all and I’m so glad I discovered this series!
The inspirational nature of Medalist is really what endears it to so many. Inori getting into skating at 12, which is considered “old” in the world of figure skating, and quickly making her way up the ranks is such a good underdog story. Everyone likes seeing people beat the odds and become success stories afterall, but Inori isn’t just given anything. While she has raw talent, she lacks the polish that many of her peers have due to her late start. This means there’s quite literally a ton of growing pains in this series. Inori stumbles and falls, but what warms my heart is how she always gets back up. Even when she’s discouraged and doubts herself, that’s where our second protagonist, Tsukasa is right there to pick her back up.
Medalist is as much Tsukasa’s story as it is Inori’s. They both have chips on their shoulders, started skating late and have been counted out because they don’t come from prestigious skating backgrounds. My favourite part of this dynamic is that while Tsukasa has been through failure and his career effectively ended by factors beyond his control, he doesn’t try to life vicariously through Inori. He never once forces anything on her or makes her uncomfortable. Everything he does is to support her and respect her agency. I absolutely loved this because it is the ideal adult teacher/child student relationship. Don’t tell kids what to think, but teach them how to think and encourage them to make their own choices that are best for them. This sort of coaching style only strengthens he and Inori’s relationship and emboldens her on the ice. When you have someone who you know will be there for you win, lose or draw, what do you have to fear? You can truly go out there and be yourself. I am also a huge fan of how Tsukasa gives Inori the courage to start standing up for herself whether it was to her mom or other kids her age, you see Inori gradually developing the same sort of fire that her coach has. I really could yap about this forever, but it’s easily the best part of medalist for me. No creepy fanservice or sexual innuendos, just a genuinely great older male figure who finds a girl at the perfect point and time in life and helps her become the best version of herself.
I really knew next to nothing about ice skating coming into this show. I obviously knew the athletes were incredibly talented, but I had no idea the sheer amount of work, dedication, physical AND mental fortitude that went into this. Medalist has a cool way of showing how every skater’s style reflects their personality. Hikaru’s for example, is extremely refined and elegant, Inori’s showcases her raw talent and potential, but she’s also error prone because of her shorter training period. Other characters like Miké have more aggressive styles, it’s so cool and a reminder that figure skating is poetry in motion. Our body movements reflect our mental state. One of medalist’s greatest achievements is getting me interested in figure skating. I came for the yuri hype from manga readers and stayed for the sport.
Speaking of yuri, this is my yuri on ice. Nothing overt yet, but there’s subtle hints that I’m hoping will go further in future chapters/seasons. For right now, Hikaru represents a goal, the summit of youth figure skating that Inori strives to each. But Inori’s optimism, freedom and raw talent is something that Hikaru who’s grown up in a rigid regiment aspires to have. I need more of them, even though they only had a few scenes together, they were great. Inori, like most sports anime MCs, just has a way of making everyone fall in love with her.
We can’t talk about a sports anime without talking about how the actual sport performances look. Medalist easily has some of, if not the best 3DCGI I’ve ever seen. The skating performances are phenomenally choreographed and animated with a nice mix of 2D and 3D, extremely professional looking 3D I might add. It’s hard to believe the same studio that made Unnamed Memory made this show because it’s a night and day difference with the productions. Medalist is made with so much love and care and it shows in every twist, twirl and jump.
I can’t sing enough praise for Medalist. I knew I’d like it just from the premise, but I didn’t expect to like it THIS much. Tsukasa and Inori’s relationship, the underdog story, the great performances, the yuri bait, Inori being a general derp and having some of the funniest faces imaginable all made me fall in love with this show. It’s inspiring, funny and a damn good anime in every sense. Even if you don’t know about ice skating or don’t even think it’s something you’d be interested in, I highly recommend giving this a spin because it’s got something for everyone.
Medalist get an extremely easy 10 out of 10.
MightyJou
A man who gave up his dream and a girl afraid to chase hers. He is by nature serious, loud and energetic. She is shy, quiet and deeply insecure. One could see this mix to only end in a disaster, but what if they are meant to bring out the best from each other? This is essentially important in a relationship of a coach and an athlete who both aim to the top, who aim for the medal. Child athletes and their struggles are a subject that barely get any coverage, mainly ´cause it might be a bit hard to handle. "Medalist" however deserves full-marks incharacter presentation, story-telling and sports performances as it takes a look at a figure skating and what goes around it. Handful of child characters, their thoughts and hard work are presented beautifully in the performances they give in the icy ring leaving us viewers hold our breaths during every hop, leap and spin they make while we are hoping to see all of them succeed. We are given via different trials a very real picture of what is happening inside the head of a 11 year old child who wants to aim to the top. Even better is that we get to see it from viewpoints of many different kinds of characters.
We have geniuses, hardest workers in the room and late bloomers looking for that one chance. These are groups of people even experienced artist might have problems of keeping at least somewhat interesting not to mention unique, yet after only 13 episodes it is safe to say that Tsurumaikada-sensei succeeded to bring out what was needed on the paper and from that Studio ENGI brought it to TV-screens to enjoy.
This is essentially a show about kids so keeping the focus on them and not treating them as extras was always the right move and thus gives respect to those young athletes who aim to the top while giving us a gentle reminder that even tho they are kids they are humans too.
If you are looking for a sports anime, appreciate a bit over the top reactions especially in the humor department and don´t mind characters that might remind youself in your youth, give this one a go. Even if those qualities are unnecessary this is regardless a very well made show with a lot of re-watch value.
8bitEcho
Please do not skip out on this. Especially if your decision is based on the numerous reviews and comments left by manga readers. What many of the vocal ones of them seem to not understand is that its never going to be as magical to experience a story told as beautifully as medalist a second time. from the score, to the acting to, to the choreography to the gags, every piece of this story and its production ooze passion. Both for the sport of figure skating and the narrative of striving to persevere even when you don't believe you can achieve even the basics ofwhat may be your dream.
Characters both adult and child alike are written masterfully, the problems they face are realistic and approached not with unbearable naivete from the younger than average cast nor are they bogged down by stupid unrealistic leaps in logic by the adults. every one reacts to things in a way that you'd imagine yourself reacting to at those ages, as real problems with solutions that while not always obvious can be achieved with careful planning and communication. Repeatedly the children will surprise their coaches in how they're developing and when they fail the show treats these challenges as stumbles that its the adults role to help them move past but it doesn't brush them aside as unimportant because when a child feels like they put their all into something and they fail it can be soul destroying for them. in medalist they will use these feelings to show that perhaps the coach empathizes with them too having watch them try so hard and not reach their goal and then explain that that's how they feel to the child because children DO understand that. They have the same problems as adults, but they just process them differently and the story shows how that affects them well.
What I can say is, if you have even the slightest interest in the story based on whats been seen or said about it, but are avoiding doing so because you've been lead under the false pretense that its a "bad adaptation" you should give it a real honest shot. If you ave no context I can assure you that it is a wonderful watch with rich characters and believable drama. AND if you still cant bring yourself to watch it after hearing that, then go read it! Medalist is a story that deserves to be experienced. It deserves to be talked about more and it deserves every flower it earns.
Chuy_diazz
Medalist is something I didn't know I needed, but I'm grateful it was given to me. Initially, I thought this would have a very heavy dramatic weight and I would have to suffer and cry with the characters. I did end up crying, but not because of the exaggerated drama, but because of the conviction and determination shown by each and every one of the characters in Medalist. The story focuses on children; they are the main focus of this story. When working with children, everything becomes more complicated because you have to make childhood problems seem truly worrisome. To do this, it focuses on issueswe've all experienced: personal insecurity and the desire for change. These are two things that, as adults, we can resolve or continue to struggle with, but at the age of the children in this play, these are feelings that constantly haunt us. By presenting something we've all experienced, it's impossible not to empathize with, even if it's just one of the skaters. On the other hand, these aren't just children's problems; we also have adults with their own situations. From a coach who was denied the opportunity to fulfill his dream and now tries to motivate a girl with the same dream as him, but without resorting to trying to live vicariously through her. An overprotective mother who wants the best for her daughter but doesn't know how to achieve it. Everywhere you look in this story, you'll find a conversation, a scene, a gesture, a movement that you'll empathize with whether you want to or not.
In the sports section, even if you know nothing about ice skating, everything you see will seem beautiful. I had no confidence in how ENGI had used CGI in previous works, but here they decided to take it seriously. Every choreography, every jump, every spin feels extremely fluid and delicate. This is something you don't appreciate until you see it a second time, because the first time you saw it, you were most likely enthralled by the routines. One very positive thing is that Medalist doesn't resort to the image of the arrogant, overbearing, or rude rival. It manages to generate and create rivalries between the children on the rink, but a genuine friendship off it. The anime tries to explain everything very well before starting a routine, and I can tell you, it's not necessary to have understood anything, because you'll still enjoy every move performed to the rhythm of the music.
Figure skating never disappoints, and Medalist only reinforces that belief of mine.
Supersonic_Pain
Fantastic show with just a couple bumps I think the cast is very well-done. Tsukasa aside, the coaches are kinda whatever. I liked Ema's coach, Yudai Jakuzure, but tbqh none of the other coaches left much of an impact on me. There's one that has a more "traditional" antagonist role but he just kind of stands there ~menacingly~ for most of the show so *shrug*. Cast-wise, who I really want to talk about are the kids. I think Inori's really cute and a nice protagonist. She can be a bit of a pessimist when it comes to her own performances and capabilities but I never found it annoying,especially since Tsukasa is there. She and Tsukasa have a really good, nice coach-student dynamic going on, especially since you can see where Tsukasa is coming from.
Doing shows with little kids in them is hard because you have to make them sound like little kids and not like some adult's writing the words they're saying. I personally never really felt that with Inori, she seemed like she was acting her age.
I think Inori's attitude leads to the first thing that you could hold against Medalist: there's a lot of drama.
I personally didn't mind, I found it a really moving anime, but especially the beginning when Inori has to convince her mom to let her skate can be gutwrenching and potentially even uncomfortable.
I would say I teared up during at least half the episodes, it can be a very emotional anime when it wants to be.
As for Tsukasa, I've heard complaints that in the Japanese dub, he's very screamy. I can see why, it could be annoying if you're particularly sensitive to that. I wasn't annoyed but I can see why someone would be.
I think the side cast has some good characters too.
Rioh comes into his own as a nice, strong character that can stand alongside Inori and Tsukasa. They kind of quickly build him up from "side character C", which is impressive in its own right. Hikaru is a nice, friendly rival and goal for Inori to reach, I like her a lot and think she has one of the best skating scenes in the show. My personal favorite, however, is Mittens (Ryoka Miketa). Her friendship with Inori is cute and I really liked her conflict. It made me really want to root for Mittens, not to mention for her to make stronger bonds with her friends and coach.
Speaking of the skating, I'm kind of between two schools of thought about it.
On one hand, it does look pretty good. I wouldn't say it's the best 3D animation I've ever seen but it looked pretty good and I was always excited to see another skating scene, even if it wasn't necessarily tied to a plot beat I was attached to.
On the other hand, the rest of the show is in 2D. It always kind of threw me off/distracted me to see them suddenly go 3D for the skating when before and after, they'd be in 2D. It kind of announces out loud to the world that they either couldn't or didn't want to adapt the ice skating scenes into 2D. In a certain sort of way, even though I think the 2D animation is perfectly fine, I almost kind of wish the whole show was in 3D so at least the skating wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.
My other big issue is there's a small timeskip which I guess it makes sense story-wise but even a montage covering that middle period would have been better than what they did. It feels like a lot of Inori's development was skipped over so they could hit a nice, clean ending for E13. I mean, she was already a decent skater right before the timeskip but I don't know, I was a little disappointed to see it existed.
I do have my gripes with Medalist and I think there are a few more if you're less charitable to the show but I think it's a cute yet moving show. This was a show I picked out of the depths of the seasonals because it sounded at least a little interesting and it ended up being my AOTS. The kids are adorable and well-written, the skating is fun to see, I thought the drama was well-done (at least I was personally touched by it).
If you're reading this review, I assume you're probably at least a little interested in Medalist. In that case, I say go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Roy_Mustache
Show is great. It has some of the best character growth I've ever seen in only 13 episodes, and it's only gonna get better. Seriously, even if you can't stand "crybaby" characters like Inori, just stick through it, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The only negative things about Medalist I could mention are 1) Some awkwardly placed time skips, and 2) I'm no kid expert but I doubt 8-year-olds act like this in reality. Those things are EASILY overshadowed by how good everything else is. Skater-coach relationships, talented protagonist, skating animation, banger music, a good rivalry, likable main characters. You don't even need to know iceskating stuff, it's enjoyable anyway. I gave it a 9 cause 13 episodes understandably wasn't enough to flesh out the story, but season 2 has been already announced and I have no doubt future seasons are gonna be a solid 10.
AES-senpai
Set to premiere in 2025, "メダリスト" (Medalist) is a highly anticipated anime series that promises to deliver a heartwarming and inspiring tale from the competitive world of figure skating. Based on the acclaimed manga by Tsurumaikada, this adaptation is expected to capture the emotional depth, intense training, and sheer passion that define its source material. It aims to be a compelling watch for sports anime enthusiasts and anyone who loves a story of perseverance against the odds. The Plot: A Late Bloomer's Journey to the Ice "Medalist" centers on the unlikely duo of Tsukasa Akeuraji, a once-promising figure skater whose dreams were cut short, and Inori Yuzuki,a young girl who, despite her age (often portrayed as being in elementary school), shows immense potential but initially struggles with the fundamental aspects of the sport.
Tsukasa, now working as a coach, feels the weight of his own unfulfilled aspirations. He encounters Inori, who, despite her initial awkwardness and being considered "too old" by some for a serious start in figure skating, possesses an undeniable spark and an iron will. The story follows their journey as Tsukasa dedicates himself to nurturing Inori's raw talent, pushing her through rigorous training, emotional setbacks, and fierce competition.
The narrative explores not just the technical challenges of figure skating, but also the psychological battles, the sacrifices made, and the profound bond that forms between a coach and their student as they chase the seemingly impossible dream of an Olympic medal.
Characters and Themes: Passion, Perseverance, and Partnership
The strength of "Medalist" lies in its compelling characters and the universal themes it explores:
Inori Yuzuki: A determined and resilient young girl who, despite starting later than most prodigies, possesses an incredible drive to succeed. Her growth, both as a skater and as an individual, is a central focus.
Tsukasa Akeuraji: A complex character burdened by his past failures, who finds new purpose and hope in coaching Inori. His dedication and belief in her are the emotional anchors of the story.
The World of Figure Skating: The anime is expected to meticulously portray the beauty and brutality of competitive figure skating, from intricate jumps and spins to the demanding judging system and the intense rivalries.
Imagem de Inori Yuzuki figure skatingAbre em uma nova janela
jumpichiban.com
Inori Yuzuki figure skating
Key themes include:
Chasing Dreams: The relentless pursuit of a seemingly unattainable goal, fueled by passion and hard work.
Mentorship and Partnership: The symbiotic relationship between coach and student, where both learn and grow from each other.
Overcoming Adversity: Battling not only external competition but also personal doubts, physical limitations, and societal expectations.
The Power of Belief: How faith in oneself and in others can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Animation and Direction: Bringing the Ice to Life
As an anime adaptation of a critically acclaimed manga, "Medalist" is expected to feature high-quality animation that brings the elegance and dynamism of figure skating to life. The fluidity of the movements, the intricate details of the costumes, and the expressions of emotion during performances will be crucial for its impact. The direction will likely focus on capturing the tension of competitions and the quieter, more intimate moments of training and character development. Fans anticipate a vibrant visual style that enhances the emotional beats of the story.
Conclusion: An Inspiring Story of Unyielding Spirit
"メダリスト" (Medalist) is poised to be an inspiring and deeply moving sports anime. It promises to deliver not just thrilling figure skating sequences, but also a rich character-driven narrative about resilience, the power of mentorship, and the beauty of pursuing a dream against all odds. For fans of sports dramas like "Yuri!!! on Ice" or "Haikyuu!!," or anyone looking for a story that celebrates the human spirit's capacity for growth and determination, "Medalist" is definitely one to watch in 2025. Get ready to be swept away by the passion on the ice.
analysis1909
Every now and then, an anime comes along that doesn’t make a loud entrance but leaves a quiet, lasting impact. Medalist is one such anime. It's not the most talked-about show right now, but it truly deserves more recognition. With each episode, you can feel the dedication of the writer, director, animators, and the entire production crew. Medalist is a rare sports anime that prioritizes emotion over spectacle, and it does so beautifully. At first glance, Medalist may seem like a typical underdog sports story centered around figure skating. But what sets this anime apart isn’t just the sport, it’s the relationship between the coach andthe player. While many sports anime focus on rivalries, competitions, or team dynamics, Medalist places its emotional weight on the bond between a passionate coach and a young, determined skater. And that bond becomes the emotional core of the entire show.
The coach-player dynamic here is portrayed with honesty and subtlety. It’s not exaggerated, nor is it too idealistic. There are struggles, misunderstandings, moments of pure joy, and heartbreaking realizations.
It’s a relationship filled with growth, for both characters. The coach, who comes with his own regrets and unfulfilled dreams, sees a second chance through his student. And the skater, full of potential but also doubt, slowly learns to trust, believe, and push forward. It’s emotional, real, and portrayed with such warmth that you can’t help but get invested.
What really struck me while watching Medalist was how deeply it made me feel. Even though I have no background in figure skating and barely know the rules, the anime made me care. That’s the magic of good storytelling.
When an anime makes you feel what the characters feel, whether it's anxiety before a performance, the pain of failure, or the rush of achieving a small victory, you know it's something special. I could feel the weight of their dreams, the pressure they faced, and the joy of progress. And that’s why this anime stands out because good things stay with you, and Medalist stays with you.
In terms of animation, ENGI has done an excellent. The ice skating scenes are handled with precision and grace. The movement feels fluid and natural, and there's a clear sense of weight and momentum to every jump and spin.
The choreography is crisp, and you can tell the animators paid close attention to the details of figure skating. Even without knowing the technicalities, the performances feel emotionally rich and visually satisfying.
Currently, this anime isn’t getting the attention it deserves. It’s flying under the radar for most viewers, possibly because it’s not based on a mainstream sport or doesn’t have a flashy premise. But that’s exactly why people should watch it. It’s different. It’s focused, mature, and deeply emotional. If you're someone who appreciates storytelling that comes from the heart, then Medalist is absolutely worth your time.
To sum it up, Medalist is a beautifully crafted anime filled with heart, discipline, and raw emotion. The coach-player relationship is the soul of this story, making it stand out among other sports anime. The animation, particularly during skating scenes, is clean and expressive. And most importantly, the emotional beats hit hard and linger with you even after the episode ends.
It’s not just about winning or losing, Medalist is about belief, growth, and the quiet strength found in support and dedication. I truly hope more people discover this gem, because it deserves to be talked about.
darth_kaiser_x
It's not my type of anime but I gave it a chance because people spoke highly of it, and it was worth giving it a chance, a story of effort and overcoming even in totally unfavorable conditions, charismatic characters and a protagonist who when we see her suffer hits that pang in the heart because she just wants to follow her dream even if deep down she thinks and others also think "my time has passed, it's too late for me", something that touches anyone who has been through this, Tsukasa is a total character, the great comic relief, if the anime reaches their adolescence,Riou will definitely be Inori's romantic partner if there is one, Jun is the antagonist and easily the most "detestable" in the work but he is the challenge that Tsukasa has to overcome, the animation is sensational and very well worked in every aspect, the 3D is barely felt during the animation but it is there in the key moments, I hope the second season is as good or better than the first, it is very worth watching
Hail_Lelouch
Most underrated anime of 2025 currently, Medalist is a sports drama that centers around Inori who wishes to make it big in Figure skating. While the characters and the animation is good, the story felt a rushing piece. There were no hard lessons learned for the protagonist with no losses and the sudden time skip after Episode 9 felt a bit off. As a fan of sports anime, I gave Medalist a try. While there were some emotional elements that made me rooted for the character, but the side characters weren't given enough spotlight in terms of backstory and story progression. Unlike many anime, Medalist portraysa world without true antagonists; instead it is populated by earnest, hardworking characters who embody humanity's better nature. Medalist is a decent show and while it’s far away from the genuinely best sports anime, it might become strong as the story progresses more.
MarlsMarsBars
If Orb wasn't airing this season, this anime would've taken its place as the best, in my opinion. Medalist is a figure skating anime, and I honestly did not expect to like this show as much as I did. This series is very character-driven narratively, and I really like how “depressing” this show can be at times. Sometimes, sports anime like this can either be one of two things: overly intense and hype, or very cutesy. While Medalist can fall in the latter at times, I really like when the characters who are entering some level of training and competition are broken. I like that themain characters, Inori Yuitsuka and Tsukasa Akeuraji, are two characters who had some very troubled upbringings leading up to the events of this season. I like that their brokenness brings them closer emotionally and that they use that to fuel them throughout their development as figure skater and coach, respectively. I also like that Tsukasa isn't a seasoned coach like what most storylines of this nature consist of. While Tsukasa is an adult, he's still relatively young, given the age of the other adult characters in this series. Having Akeuraji be an inexperienced coach taking up a newcomer skater who started late is a really interesting student/mentor dynamic. we typically don’t see storytelling nowadays. For the most part, the mentor figure is an old but wise character who imparts the endless wisdom of their own life experiences to their pupils, but creating a dynamic where both the student and the teacher are learning as they go makes this narrative more interesting and unique. Speaking of, Inori herself is a really interesting character. Her struggles of wanting to skate while being faced with the circumstances that she is facing throughout the show are quite nuanced, especially the plotlines of her proving her doubters wrong. This show does employ a time skip, and while that might raise some concerns for the pacing, this narrative decision is done to naturally progress Inori’s progression as a figure skater without it feeling tedious and slow. The post-time skip episode leads us to a point in her character development that makes sense leading up to the time skip. This anime is great at naturally building characterization to the point where we can piece two and two together seamlessly without any or only minimal questions left.
Another aspect that I want to point out about this show has to be just how well animated it is. Now, for most of the show, we get the standard and acceptable level of quality in animation. There's nothing wrong with this so far. However, once a character performs their program in a figure skating practice or competition, we get some very well animated 3D animation that fits so well with the nature of the show, elevating the figure skating aspect of this series to new heights. The tricky thing about utilizing 3D CGI elements in a primarily 2D environment is that it can look and feel jarring to anyone watching; 3D objects typically don’t blend well with a 2D setting. However, Medalist brings these two animation styles together so seamlessly by letting the CG scenes flourish in the figure skating scenes, which also help characterize the level of concentration and passion that both the characters put into their performances and the animators into their work. From my understanding, the production team for this show also did some motion capture from actual professional figure skaters, so blending that with some very well executed 3D animation makes this show that much more enjoyable to watch.
I know most people are on the Solo Leveling hype train that has dominated Winter 2025, but both Medalist and Orb really need more of that spotlight from SL. This anime is so criminally underrated on quite a few of its most important aspects: characterization, narratives, and animation. Most people this season won't even give this show a second thought because it revolves around kids learning to figure skate, but pair some really compelling and unique character writing with some of the best 3D animation we've seen in a medium that otherwise shuns and looks down on that style of visualization, and you get a show that is very fun to watch. I can't wait to see more from Medalist moving forward.
HidamariSeashore
It's kind of funny how this story about striving to make a wholesome dream come true came from someone with a wholesome dream of their own. Tsurumaikada, a doujinshi artist and fan of voice actress Natsumi Haruse, once declared on Twitter that they wanted to one day draw a figure skating manga that would get an anime adaptation starring Natsumi Haruse. If that were me, I would have left it at that, saying that that would be nice, but Tsurumaikada actually took steps to make their dream come true, even taking ice skating classes for research. This all resulted in the serialization of "Medalist", amanga that quickly gained the adoration of readers and even won some awards, including the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2023. This year, Tsurumaikada's dream finally came true with the release of the Medalist anime, but was pursuing this dream really worth it in the end? Let's find out.
Medalist begins when Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former ice dancer whose dreams of being a solo figure skater never truly got off the ground due to him starting late in life, starts working as an assistant skating coach at an ice skating rink. There, he meets Inori Yuitsuka, a fifth-grader with figure skating dreams of her own. However, due to her mother not letting her pursue figure skating and people her age being considered "too old" to start, anyway, Inori doesn't have the self-confidence to go beyond secretly practicing at the ice rink. Tsukasa sees great potential in Inori, however, and not wanting to see her give up like he did, he agrees to become her coach. Together, they overcome various challenges and work toward Inori's ultimate goal: to become an Olympic gold medalist.
The story told in Medalist is a very inspiring one with a strong message of "It's never too late to go for your dreams". Not the most original message, I know, but a good one, nonetheless. I've never had any interest in figure skating - I struggle with roller skating, so forget figure skating - yet seeing Inori and other characters skate almost makes me want to try; that's how inspirational it is. I do have one major gripe with the story, and it's a time skip that happens partway through the series. It made me feel like I skipped some episodes with some really important plot developments, although I guess adding the events that were skipped might have created a repetitive storyline.
I said that Medalist is an inspiring anime, but I don't think I would have said that if the characters were unlikable. I absolutely loved Inori as a character; the way she was so hard on herself in the beginning was very heartbreaking (and sadly relatable), which made it all the more satisfying to see her gain some confidence and really come into her own. Plus, her interactions with other characters, especially her fellow figure skaters, are pretty fun. As for her coach, Tsukasa, I also really liked him and the coach-and-student bond he formed with Inori, and the parts of his backstory that we get are pretty sad. There are also a plethora of supporting characters who are varying degrees of likable. Even Inori's mother becomes more likable as she becomes more supportive of her daughter, and she actually has an understandable reason for her initial reluctance to let Inori pursue figure skating.
When I found out that Medalist was being animated by ENGI, I'll admit that I was a little bit concerned. As some in the anime community know, ENGI isn't exactly known for producing high-quality anime; even their arguably best-known work, Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out, is okay at best animation-wise. (Same goes for other aspects of that series, but that's not the point.) Luckily, the animation quality here is very good. Most of the series is 2-D animated, and it looks very colorful and well-animated. However, during figure skating routines, CG animation is used for whichever character is doing the routine, which may scare some people off; I would like to bring those people back by saying the CG animation is very fluid. It is jarring when the series switches from one animation style to the other - which it does quite a bit to show other characters' reactions to a skating routine - but it's not too bad once you get used to it.
So, uh.... I may have mentioned Inori's Japanese voice actress at the beginning of this review, but since I could only find the English dub when I searched for Medalist on Disney+, I had to watch that version; thus, I can't really comment on Natsume Haruse's voice performance or that of the rest of the Japanese cast. Maybe I should have just watched it on Hulu.... Anyway, it turned out to be a mostly solid dub, with Madeline Dorroh being a suitable enough fit for Inori. However, I would like to advise Grace Lu, the English voice actress for Hikaru Kamisaki, to be more careful about where she records her lines, as there was a scene in episode 2 where her voice sounded echo-y in a way that felt unintentional. Her other voiced lines sounded fine to me, but that particular scene seemed like it was supposed to be more impactful than it was for me due to the echoes in Hikaru's voice distracting me.
Given how figure skaters perform with music playing, it's reasonable to expect the music in Medalist to be good, and luckily, it delivers. The opening theme, "Bow and Arrow" by Kenshi Yonezu, is a beautiful song that has an icy and mystical vibe to it; meanwhile, "Atashi no Dress" by Neguse, the ending theme, is as cute as the visuals that are shown while it's playing. (That is to say, very cute.) The background music and the insert songs were also very good. My favorite is probably "Go For The Gold"; the scene where it was first played was probably the most captivating scene in the entire series, and the song played a large role in that with how absolutely gorgeous it was. With how good Medalist is already, that's an incredible feat.
Although it doesn't feel right for me to rate it higher than I am, I can't deny that Medalist is a very good anime, and it's a worthy result of all of Tsurumaikada's hard work to make their dream come true. If you want a good coming of age story or just want to (at least partially) fill the void that the Yuri On Ice movie left with its cancellation, I highly recommend it. Let's just hope that the upcoming second season can keep Tsurumaikada's dream going strong!
DragonKestrel
Medalist is a manga published in 2020, written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada. It recently received an anime adaptation, which garnered significant attention due to its compelling characters, visually stunning performances, and powerful themes regarding the love of figure skating. The story follows aspiring figure skaters striving to become world figure skaters, capturing each character's insecurities, struggles, and motivations for skating. But more importantly, it focuses on Inori and Tsukasa's personal growth and how they challenge and inspire one another to push themselves to more fantastic and nearly impossible heights through their shared connection and love for the sport. While competition and public recognition or self-worth are prevalentin figure skating, Medalist emphasizes that there's more to the sport than just earning medals. It highlights the importance of the relationships and journeys that skaters experience.
Overall, Medalist is an inspiring experience that leaves a long-lasting impression on its audience. With the recent announcement of season two, I look forward to seeing everyone back on the ice!
iSakuraSnow
Wow, I picked this show up because it's rated pretty well (8.4 as of now) so I wanted to see what the hype is about, but I fully expected to drop it because I don't know anything about ice skating. I did NOT expect to be teary from this series, but I did. Story: 8/10 Good story. Teaches a good life lesson. Was paced really well, keeping the series interesting and not boring. Characters: 9/10 Great character development!! The director did a good job at introducing all the characters, even the side characters. Although the focus was definitely on the MCs/duo, they still gave backstories on some ofthe side characters e.g. Rioh, which made me really get to know them and want to root for them during the competitions. There are still a few mystery characters yet to be developed though, so hopefully they do that in season 2.
Art: 8/10
Interesting switching between 2D and 3D, which took a bit of getting used to. The 2D is great - the studio does such a great job at putting emotions into the characters faces and eyes! The 3D is good - they use this to animate the ice skating, and it seems to be pretty accurate / true to life.
Acting: 9/10
The director casted the roles very well. They definitely presented the characters well.
Overall, I recommend this show - give it a try, even if you don't know anything about ice skating because I didn't either, but I still enjoyed it!
Haruhiko_MatsuO
This series portrays "Asian kid trauma" so Fucking well. (I was tearing up from the first episode) At first, I thought it was just your typical sports anime, but what really sets it apart are the two leads, Inori and Tsukasa. Both of them start from bottom one literally from zero, and the other with a bit of experience, but still far from the top. They constantly push and support each other. The character development is super solid, especially for Inori (honestly a top-tier contender for Female of the Year 2025) It’s like Tsukasa’s growth gets passed down to Inori, which really reflects his role as a coach.The script, written by Hanada, is top-notch (even though I usually hesitate to hype this guy, this one’s thankfully not one of his “possessed by a ghost” moments to write is Anime script)
The visuals, I’d say they’re the show’s weak point not super , some episodes look pretty plain Storytelling, Only a few episodes had standout storyboarding, like episodes 4, 9, and 13.
The 3D was mostly easy on the eyes, though it had a few floaty scenes here and there Overall, not bad.
The direction is clear and consistent really hammering in the theme of “believing in yourself.” Can see this through Tsukasa, Miketa, Riou, and finally wraps it up to Inori. That final line, “Thank you,” (almost made me cry if only I hadn’t been spoiled before)
Overall, it’s honestly better than a lot of mainstream sports anime in some ways. It’s not quite a masterpiece, but it’s very close The emotional impact is strong only wish the visuals had gone a bit further.
“It’s something ordinary, but that ordinary thing was pushed far enough to become something special just like Inori”
