Former figure skater Narumi Takahashi appeared on "ABEMA Entertainment," a news program on "ABEMA," in a new segment called "Re:MAKE ~Dear You from Back Then~." She revealed the first setback she experienced at the age of 12.
Takahashi, who started figure skating at the age of three and competed in international competitions at the age of nine, was expected to have a bright future. However, at the age of 12, after witnessing the performance of Mao Asada, a top skater of her generation, she experienced her first setback, realizing, "Even if I were to compete against Mao Asada in the future, I would never be able to beat her."
Nevertheless, her passion for the sport never waned, as she said, "I love skating and want to continue it for the rest of my life." She moved to China due to her father's job transfer and pursued a career in pairs skating.
Takahashi achieved remarkable results in an unusual pairing with a Chinese player, but her success led to her being told, "As a country, we can't teach you," and "If you don't change your nationality, you'll be raising a rival." She tearfully recalled the loneliness she felt at the time, wondering, "What is nationality?" and "Everyone who was my friend yesterday is ignoring me now."
