Interview with Rika Kihira done on her 18th birthday*=July 21st (my rough translation)
Q: How "18 years old" sounds to you?
A: Sounds like I'm becoming an adult. I used to feel like a child until I was 17 years old, but when I am 18 years old, I would like to be careful about my detailed wording. I'm surprised I'm already 18 yo! Also, it's the age when you can get a driving license. Although I don't have a plan to get the license at this point, I'd like to get it someday when I have enough time. I'll keep my eyes on politics and go to every election.
Q: Your current status? It's a tough time.
A: The current situation is something I had never even imagined. That said, I'm getting used to the environment with c0rona v*rus. Toady I can train on the ice as well as exercise at a gym. I haven't been deeply shocked because, after all, I can train now. I live my daily life thinking about how to improve my skating while paying attention not to catch the v*rus.
Q: Worlds were cancelled this past March. Were you frustrated?
A: No. I thought that if Worlds happened under that circumstance, the c0rona v*rus would have definitely spread. It was a stronger feeling in me that I didn't want Worlds to happen than the frustration of staying away from the ice. I think I was quite objective. When the v*rus started spreading, I stopped focusing only on myself.
Q: You always cherishes peace.
A: Yes. Whenever I visit a shrine, I always pray that I want the world to be peaceful. After all, I think peace is the #1 priority, when I learn ongoing wars around the world at school or when I find out that there are people who are still struggling. Especially now I feel so.
Q: Olympics which are symbol of world peace is now in danger.
A: It should be a really tough time for athletes who are aiming at Tokyo Olys. I think they have been dreaming for a medal at Tokyo Olys since they were little. Hopefully the vaccine will be well developed, the c0rona pandem*c will be completely over and Olys will be held next year. After all, the Olys are exceptional for me, too. Olys are important stages which are held every four years, unlike the Worlds.
Q: When was the first time when you thought about going to Olys?
A: It was when I saw Mao Asada's outstanding skates in Olys. Although I've been skating myself, I haven't watched many competitions on TV for a long time, but Mao was special to me. Every time I definitely watched Mao Asada who skated in the final group as well as I went to the venue in person. I was very impressed with her FS's finish-pose in 2014 Sochi Olys. I think it was the time when I started thinking about going to Olys.
Q: Anything which Mao Asada has and Rika Kihira doesn't?
A: Above all it's the mental thing. It was her greatness that she did that amazing performance at a stage where everyone feels big pressures. Although she fell apart down as low as 16th placement in SP since anything can happen in Olys, she came back strong and made a perfect performance in FS. Medaling is not everything. I respect that mental strength of her. She was fighting on her own at that time when no one other than her was challenging 3A. Also, she was wonderful at drawing me in with her expressions and step sequences. I myself want to improve in those areas, too.
Q: Any thoughts on 2022 Beijing Olys?
A: I feel Beijing Olys are coming even too soon since I want to have more experiences. While I have no idea about whether I'll be frightened or enjoy myself, I'm sure it's gonna be a tough stage. Although I think I'll continue competing after Beijing Olys, I'm assuming the best timing to win the games is only once to me. Since things get tougher in the current field when you get older, I'm assuming Beijing Olys would be my biggest chance. I pray that Tokyo Olys will be held next year. I'll follow and learn the process of Olys well. With the knowledge of the Olys, I will try my best aiming at winning games at the most important stage in my skating life.
"I'm thinking about going on to a university."
In 2020-2021 season things are uncertain due to c0rona v*rus. Although she had a plan to work with a choreographer Lori Nichol who also worked with Mao Asada, the plan is going nowhere as well as she can't meet her new Canadian coach Brian Orser in person due to the immigration restrictions. She still plans to change her programs and musics but everything depends on c0rona.
During the self-quarantine period she continued training in Japan, and after the emergency declaration lifted, she restarted practicing on the ice from the end of May. Now she is training based in Kansai area and Okinawa. As for quads, which people's eyes are on, she explained her goals "I want to include two different quads, 4T and 4S, in my program by Beijing Olys."
Meanwhile, Kihira, the 3rd grader in N High School, explained about her plan for next spring, "Although I can't tell which school at this point, I'm thinking about going on to a university. Skating is my first priority. I want to choose a school which does not affect my competing life," and she added, "I want to enjoy my training without feeling stress." She never stops preparing for the re-start [of competitions].
news.yahoo.co.jp
Yukina is the right person to work with Tomoe on this program either as a exhibition number or SP!
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So I'm happy we will see it again! 
