The highly anticipated fourth episode of Medalist has finally arrived, showcasing a pivotal moment in Inori Yuitsuka’s burgeoning figure skating journey. Titled “Meikoh Cup Beginner Women’s FC,” this episode delves into Inori’s first competitive performance, her family dynamics, and the emotional hurdles she faces.
The Meikoh Cup: A Debut on Thin Ice
Episode 4 sees Inori participating in the Meikoh Cup, a significant milestone in her quest to become a medalist. The episode opens with Inori preparing for her performance, showcasing the mix of nerves and determination that characterize her personality. Despite her dedication, she encounters several setbacks during warm-ups, leading to a crisis of confidence. She falls multiple times during practice, which is quite disheartening for her as it is her first competition.
Her coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former figure skater, provides unwavering support to Inori, guiding her through her anxieties and providing the necessary motivation. However, Inori’s confidence takes a further hit when she overhears her mother asking Tsukasa to lower the difficulty of her routine, believing that Inori should skate casually rather than risk failure. This moment is a critical turning point, as Inori realizes her mother’s concerns are rooted in a desire to protect her from disappointment, mirroring her older sister’s past experiences.
Family Matters: The Arrival of Mika
A significant development in this episode is the introduction of Inori’s older sister, Mika, who returns from overseas to watch her perform. Mika’s presence sheds light on Inori’s family life, revealing that Mika was the one who inspired Inori to pursue figure skating. It is revealed that Mika’s own career ended due to an injury, which led her mother to be apprehensive about Inori’s ambitions.
Contrary to what viewers might have expected, Mika’s relationship with Inori is positive. Mika’s support becomes a driving force for Inori. This new dynamic offers a deeper insight into the family’s history and the mother’s motivations, which are revealed to be out of genuine concern rather than malice. Mika’s visit allows the audience to see that Inori’s mother, despite her initial objections, is ultimately supportive of her daughters. She even admits that all she’s been talking about lately is seeing Inori perform. This change of heart underscores her love for her daughters and showcases that her actions were driven by a desire to safeguard Inori’s confidence.
A Performance of Resilience
Despite the emotional turmoil, Inori musters the courage to step onto the ice for her performance. The episode features a fully 3DCG animated sequence of Inori’s performance, which is well-executed and expressive, showcasing her improvement and skill. She stumbles at the beginning of her routine but quickly recovers, delivering a spectacular performance that earns her first place in the competition.
This performance not only demonstrates Inori’s resilience but also marks a turning point in her journey. It signifies her acknowledgement of herself as a figure skater. The episode emphasizes her ability to overcome adversity and push through challenges, which are crucial aspects of her growth as an athlete. Moreover, after her performance, Inori’s mother finally acknowledges her seriousness about figure skating and vows to support her until she reaches the world stage. This acknowledgment serves as a satisfying culmination of her efforts and provides a sense of resolution to the episode’s central conflicts.
Key Characters and Voice Actors
The anime features a talented cast that brings the characters to life:
- Inori Yuitsuka is voiced by Natsumi Haruse (Japanese) and Madeline Dorroh (English).
- Tsukasa Akeuraji is voiced by Takeo Otsuka (Japanese) and Jonathon Ha (English).
- Hikaru Kamisaki is voiced by Kana Ichinose (Japanese) and Grace Lu (English).
- Rio Sonidori is voiced by Makoto Koichi (Japanese) and Cristina Valenzuela (English).
- Ryoka Miketa is voiced by Hina Kino (Japanese)
- Mario Nachi is voiced by Megumi Toda (Japanese)
- Ema Yamato is voiced by Kotori Koiwai (Japanese)
Where to Watch
Medalist is available for streaming on various platforms:
- Disney+ is the primary international platform for the series.
- Hulu also offers the series for streaming in the United States.
- In Japan, the series airs on TV Asahi, CS TV Asahi, and BS Asahi. It is also available on streaming platforms such as ABEMA, Niconico, and others.
Notably, the series is not part of Crunchyroll’s Winter 2025 anime lineup.
Production Details
The anime is produced by Studio ENGI, known for their work on Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! The series is directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto, with Jukki Hanada handling the script. The music is composed by Yuki Hayashi, known for his work on My Hero Academia.
The anime also has professional figure skaters like Akiko Suzuki, Yuhana Yokoi, and Hinano Isabe as its choreographers, which adds to the authenticity of the skating sequences.
Critical Reception
Episode 4 has been generally well-received by viewers, with many praising the emotional depth, character development, and quality of the animation. The introduction of Mika and the exploration of Inori’s family dynamics have been highlighted as key strengths. Reviewers have also commended the 3DCG animation of Inori’s performance, noting its fluidity and expressiveness. Some viewers express disappointment over the short skating sequence while also understanding the reasoning behind it.
Conclusion
Medalist Episode 4 delivers a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends emotional storytelling with the high-stakes world of competitive figure skating. The episode not only progresses Inori’s journey but also provides a glimpse into her personal life and her family’s complexities. The series continues to be a captivating watch, offering a mix of sports drama and emotional depth that resonates with viewers. With its strong characters, well-crafted animation, and engaging plot, Medalist remains a must-watch for fans of the sports anime genre. The next episodes are highly anticipated as Inori continues to strive to become a top figure skater.
