# Medalist (2025)

> A frustrated former skater becomes the coach of a determined young girl who dreams of Olympic figure skating glory.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/154476

## Facts

- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 22
- Episode runtime: 23 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, drama
- Network: HTB, tv asahi, Nagoya TV, KBC, ABC TV, NCC, OAB, ABA, Niigata Television Network 21, khb, KFB, HOME, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting, Iwate Asahi TV, Akita Asahi Broadcasting, Yamagata Television System, Shizuoka Asahi TV, Asahi Broadcasting Nagano, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting, Ehime Asahi TV, Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting, Ryu-Q Asahi Broadcasting
- Cast: Natsumi Haruse, Takeo Otsuka, Kana Ichinose, Yuma Uchida, Makoto Koichi, Taito Ban, Hina Kino, Megumi Toda
- TMDB rating: 8.0/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33310730/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Tone: earnest, uplifting, determined, warm, intense

## What critics say

Audiences rate the series positively, praising its sincere portrayal of a young skater's pursuit of excellence and the mentor relationship at its center.

## Synopsis

Medalist (2025-2026) is a Japanese animated sports drama series produced by ENGI and aired on TV Asahi and its regional affiliates. Frustrated skater Tsukasa Akeuraji (voiced by Takeo Otsuka) meets Inori Yuitsuka (voiced by Natsumi Haruse), a girl who burns with obsession for figure skating, and begins coaching her toward the Olympic podium. The engine of the show is practical and emotional: a mentor with unfinished ambitions of his own, a young athlete whose talent is blossoming, and the grinding routines of training, rink time, and competition that stand between them and a medal. Across two seasons totaling twenty-two episodes, the story is one continuing arc in which each stretch of progress is hard-won. Rivals and supporting skaters, voiced by Kana Ichinose, Yuma Uchida, and Makoto Koichi among others, add pressure and camaraderie to the ice. The tone is earnest, warm, and determined, with sport rendered as a crucible of devotion and craft. Fans of Yuri!!! on Ice, Haikyu!!, and Ping Pong the Animation will find resonance in its underdog sincerity and coming of age intensity.

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