Inori’s Path to Glory: Will She Claim Victory in the Junior Grand Prix?

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The inaugural season of the anime version of “Medalist” has wrapped up, focusing on Inori’s initial foray into figure skating. As it delves into her early skating lessons and first attempts at earning badges, the tension isn’t particularly intense yet. However, the manga, which boasts a more advanced narrative, seems to be building towards a significant victory for Inori, one that could prove crucial in the series.

In keeping with the standard structure of sports-themed narratives, Inori encounters both triumphs and challenges. If she manages to win every competition, the story may lose its allure. Presently, the manga has reached a stage where Inori requires a victory, and I have a hunch about how she’ll secure it.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for the Medalist Manga!

In the case of “Medalist”, just like any other series, the manga tends to progress ahead of its anime adaptation. Given that the manga is published monthly, we’re left waiting for updates. However, a recent development has solidified one of my theories, and I’m now convinced that Inori is on the verge of achieving the most significant victory in her athletic career—though it might not be her greatest win during her skating journey.

Prediction: Inori Will Win the Junior Grand Prix

If you’re looking for a refresher, let me catch you up on the manga: Inori advanced from being a novice to a junior skater. This allowed her to compete and earn the title of Designated Skater B for Japan, representing the country in international competitions like the Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Alongside Iruka, she will participate in these events. However, Hikaru remains at the novice level due to when her birthday falls; she’ll age into junior skating another year from now.

Iruka, being an experienced skater and reigning champion of the Junior Grand Prix (JGP), is a given for the finals. Inori, surprisingly, also manages to reach the finals. The story in this manga still has its share of tender moments, but as we delve deeper, there’s more drama and sadness as we uncover the challenging pasts of some skaters. Unfortunately, due to several errors during her routine, Inori misses out on the All-Japan finals despite qualifying for the JGP finals.

Watching Hikaru skate in the All-Japan finals and win gold serves as a fresh inspiration for Inori. This is particularly true because before his performance, Hikaru had promised that he would give it his all, so that Inori wouldn’t be able to resist the urge to practice harder after seeing him. Consequently, this tactic from Hikaru proves effective, and Inori finds herself preparing for the JGP finals, where unfortunately Hikaru is unable to compete.

Inori’s Biggest Competition Won’t be at the Finals

After discussing Hikaru at length, let’s shift our focus towards Iruka, the reigning queen of JGP who has also secured her spot in the finals. Compared to Inori, Iruka’s skill set is remarkably superior, and she showcases her exceptional abilities by executing spins and jumps that many other skaters find challenging. To put it simply, Iruka would likely outperform Inori in the JGP finals without breaking a sweat. Unfortunately, due to circumstances I won’t delve into to avoid spoiling too much, Iruka – Inori’s main rival in JGP – will be unable to compete.

Currently, Inori has been significantly motivated by Hikaru’s display, leaving Iruka unable to challenge at the JGP. This situation paves the way for a significant victory for Inori, which is crucial for her career progression as an athlete. Victory after defeat can erode one’s confidence, and Inori is grappling with this issue, particularly since she carries immense expectations due to her quad jump prowess. Her self-assurance seems to be waning under the pressure, and it’s showing signs of deterioration. A victory could help restore her confidence, enabling her to continue making strides in her career.

As an onlooker, it’s evident that Inori is a character deeply affected by the pressure of not living up to expectations set upon her. Although the Junior Grand Prix (JGP) may not be the largest or most prestigious competition she will participate in, given her aspirations of becoming an Olympian, this event could prove to be pivotal if she emerges victorious. This potential victory might serve as a catalyst for her to regain momentum and continue growing, helping her overcome the current rut she finds herself in. For now, I’m relieved that Medalist has been renewed for another season, and I eagerly anticipate future seasons featuring competitions like the JGP.

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2025-05-27 00:11