Yuri on Ice Is Over, But Don't Fret. The Hit Anime's Spiritual Successor Just Hit the Air

When Yuri on Icedebuted, it gained traction from fans who fell in love with the two leads, figure skating and the narrative. Now, nearly a decade later, a new anime, Medalist, has hit the screens and is here to fill the figure skating void Yuri on Ice left behind. The anime offers a fresh perspective on figure skating and introduces lovable and memorable characters right from the start.

Medalist is a story about breaking through barriers and focuses on the beginning of a figure skater’s career rather than centralizing on seasoned pros. With a stellar first episode, it’s clear that it’s positioned to become a widely loved story with beautiful choreography. While nothing could ever take Yuri on Ice’s place, Medalist already proved to be a unique and eye-catching experience.

Medalist Continues Yuri on Ice’s Figure Skating Legacy

Based on the Manga by Tsurumaikada; Anime Produced by ENGI

When Yuri on Ice premiered, it revolutionized the sports anime genre by mixing figure skating with an emotionally rooted storyline. The relationship between the two leads propelled the series into popularity and was, during its time, groundbreaking. Medalist may not share the romantic subplot that Yuri on Ice offered, but it does offer the same emotionally rooted storyline with the technicalities of figure skating. While Yuri showcased the artistry and romance figure skating could create, Medalist pulls upon the grit and dedication it takes to become a skater in the first place through Inori and Tsukasa’s story.

Victor and Yuri’s story showcased how figure skating could become an intimate expression of love and identity. Similarly, Medalist demonstrates the connection between dreams, resilience, and determination to reach one’s goals. Inori faces self-doubt and has to overcome challenges such as a lack of resources, support, and familial expectations. When she steps foot on the ice, she shows the same determination and authenticity that Yuri showed, demonstrating how figure skating is as much about mental endurance as physical ability.

Another shared strength between Yuri on Ice and Medalist lies in the attention to detail in skating itself. Yuri on Ice utilizes fluid and realistic routines in its animation, while Medalist dives into the intricacies of the training process. This detailed portrayal of figure skating proves the amount of attention that went into Medalist’s creation, striving to commit to the same authenticity that Yuri on Ice achieved. Paired with the potential of the main protagonists and the coaches who take them under their wing, Medalist is set to become the next big sports anime.

The First Episode of Medalist Gives the Anime a Promising Start

A Visually Stunning Portrayal of Overcoming Adversity While Aiming To Reach One’s Dreams

From the very first episode, Medalist captures viewers’ attention with relatable and memorable characters while effectively setting the scene for what’s to come. The introduction of Inori, a young girl willing to do anything to get on the ice despite her hesitance and self-doubt, resonates with anyone who’s ever dreamed of achieving something that is just within reach yet seemingly impossible. Similarly, Tsukasa’s determination to give her the chance he never had was more than emotionally moving, but a testament to his dedication to mentoring Inori to become the best figure skater she can be.

Medalist doesn’t rush into flashy or captivating skating sequences. Instead, it takes time to develop Tsukasa and Inori’s characters, establishing their strengths and flaws. In its emotionally charged first episode, the anime confronts the characters' insecurities and personal struggles before they go to the rink. Inori’s wish to skate, despite past injuries and doubts from others, is a testament to her love of skating and willingness to do whatever it takes to grow as a figure skater.

Tsukasa, seeing himself in Inori, makes the life-changing decision to become the mentor he wished he had when he was beginning his own journey. His recollection of being told it was too late stirred up his own unhealed wounds of rejection but also fueled his determination to ensure that Inori didn’t endure the same discouragement. By stepping into this role, Tsukasa gives Inori the chance to believe in herself in a way that no one has done for him.

The chance meeting between Tsukasa and Inori sets the narrative up for a moving and fun journey. The decision to coach and mentor Inori acts as a redemption for Tsukasa as he is given the chance to create opportunities for her and proves that it's never too late to make a difference. By ensuring Inori has a chance to thrive, she is given a real chance to show off what she can do when she puts her mind to it and becomes the best she can be. This dynamic makes their partnership not only compelling but one worth rooting for.

Medalist Shows That Success Is About More Than Just Talent

Medalist Celebrates the Small Victories

Medalist Poster featuring Inori and Tsukasa

At its core, Medalist is about those who strive for their dreams, even in the face of overwhelming odds. In focusing on two characters who have already faced rejection and failure, the anime sets itself up for a narrative of overcoming adversity and sets the stage for emotional victories in the future. Inori and Tsukasa’s determination to defy expectations makes their journey one worth rooting for, inspiring viewers in the process with their resilience.

The series had already given Inori and Tsukasa small victories in the first episode to start their journey. Tsukasa’s belief in Inori and belief in her is what ultimately gives her the opportunity to train and be coached into a great skater. Likewise, Inori’s willingness to try, fall, and get back up again already gives her character some triumph. By focusing on the smaller, often overlooked aspects and milestones, Medalist has proved that success can be just as much about the process rather than just the outcome of events.

For anime fans, Medalist offers a story that inspires without falling into overly common clichés. From the first episode, it’s clear that the anime treats talent as only a single part of the equation and emphasizes that hard work, self-belief, and support of those around them are just as essential. With its heartfelt debut episode, Medalist has all the makings to become a popular anime that leaves a lasting impression that fans won’t soon forget.