From Skepticism to Fandom: Why I Watched Medalist
Medalist is one of those anime I would usually scroll past. Not because of the title or cover art, but simply because I didn’t think it was for me. A sports anime centered on ice skating? That’s far outside my usual interests, even as someone who proudly considers themselves a diehard sports anime fan. Ice skating just didn’t feel like it was in my bag.
But thanks to a strong recommendation from a fellow Discord member, I gave Medalist a shot. And I’m glad I did.
Plot Breakdown: Two Underdogs, One Goal
Quick Summary
The story follows Inori Yuitsuka, a timid fifth grader who struggles in nearly every area of life, from academics to friendships. Joy is rare for her, except when she’s on the ice. But her dream to skate is stifled by her mother, still haunted by her older sister’s past injury. Inori’s determination leads her to a wild attempt to bribe a rink manager with worms just to get in the door, where she meets Tsukasa Akeuraji, a fledgling ice skating coach. Their chaotic first meeting leads to a partnership rooted in mutual passion and personal redemption.
Full Thoughts
At its core, Medalist tells the story of two individuals chasing dreams they were told they started too late. That shared struggle of making up ground through sheer effort and passion is what makes this story so powerful. Watching Inori and Tsukasa grind toward their goals was the emotional hook I didn’t expect.
The competitive element adds a satisfying layer. Inori’s fierce spirit in badge tests and competitions feels earned and thrilling. And the challenges don’t come easy. Every milestone, including the very first badge test, carries weight and hardship.
One standout aspect was how well the anime explained ice skating fundamentals. As someone with zero prior knowledge of the sport, I appreciated how it broke down jumps, test systems, and performance elements without losing momentum.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the pacing occasionally felt rushed. Time skips moved the story forward quickly, but I would have liked to see more of Inori’s training, especially surrounding her shin splint injury.
Plot Score: 9.5/10
Aesthetic and Vibes: Charm Meets Intensity
Medalist nails the balance between humor and drama. Characters have quirky, expressive reactions that had me grinning, and the show does an excellent job shifting gears into intense, emotional competition scenes.
The soundtrack deserves praise too. One track had a lofi feel that stuck with me, and both the opening and ending themes were catchy and enjoyable.
Aesthetic and Vibes Score: 9.5/10
Art and Animation: Smooth, Sharp, and Stylish
The character designs are crisp, and the ice rink visuals are particularly striking. Given how much movement ice skating demands, a bit of CGI was expected and for the most part, it blended in well. There were moments where the CGI was noticeable, but never enough to detract from the overall experience.
Art and Animation Score: 8/10
Character Development: The Heart of the Show
This is where Medalist truly shines. In just one season, Inori evolves from a timid, isolated girl to a fierce competitor taking on the best in her field. Her growth is not only inspiring but also believable, and you can already see the groundwork for even more development in future seasons.
Tsukasa too is easy to root for. Watching him grow from a hesitant newcomer into a confident coach was refreshing and deeply rewarding. I especially connected with his journey, even more so than Inori’s.
Even side characters like Rioh get room to grow, adding depth and variety to the show’s emotional landscape.
Character Development Score: 10/10
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Medalist?
Absolutely. Medalist won me over with its emotional depth, intense competition, and a cast full of heart. Even if you don’t personally relate to a fifth grade protagonist, there’s something universally compelling about chasing a dream against the odds.
Whether you connect more with Inori’s quiet resilience or Tsukasa’s drive for redemption, Medalist offers a journey worth taking. It’s a rare sports anime that blends charm, tension, and authenticity, all while spotlighting a lesser known sport.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
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