POLL: How do you feel about Daisuke Takahashi's comeback to competitive skating?

[Bellanca]

Jack Gallagher is asking this question via a poll, and so I thought I would bring his curiosity (and mine) to FSU and find out how the skating community/forum feels about Daisuke's comeback.

https://twitter.com/sportsjapan/status/1013441288358715392

https://twitter.com/sportsjapan/status/1013295058496319488

 

[skateboy]

Dai has always been a wonderful skater, but I do wonder what his motives are, with this comeback. It's hard to imagine him being competitive, but maybe that isn't his goal. I wish him well.

 

[StitchMonkey]

what about "happy for him, but wish he could get a bye to Nationals rather than take up a spot in the qualifying pipeline?" as an option.

 

[Kasey]

Very surprised, but overjoyed at the blessing of just being able to see competition programs from him again. He'll always be one of my forever faves!

 

[WillyElliot]

I am pleasantly surprised. What has he been doing the last four years? Did he get his degree?

I can't wait to see his programs.

 

[Spun Silver]

I am pleasantly surprised. What has he been doing the last four years? Did he get his degree?

I can't wait to see his programs.

He's been a TV commentator, mainly but not only on sports I think (?). And he starred in two dance shows in Japan put together by Sharna Burgess, and he organized a remarkable collaboration with Kabuki actors on ice. So it's not like he hasn't been busy!!

 

[VGThuy]

People come back for different reasons. I have no expectations other than hoping to see some beautiful and musical skating.

 

[Firedancer]

Surprised and excited. I certainly didn’t expect it but Daisuke was one of my favorite skaters so I am really excited to see him skate again.

 

[Carolla5501]

Where's the "it's his choice and I don't care one way or the other" option

 

[kwanatic]

I'm surprised but also excited to see how he'll do. I do wonder how he will get by in this quad-laden field but I guess we'll have to see. I always loved Dai. He was such an electric performer! I'm looking forward to seeing that again.

 

[berthesghost]

I’m glad he’s comeback, but only if he wants it

 

[SamuraiK]

He's crazy but he's soo good that I will still root for him . Gotta respect the athletes who do it for love of the sport (though I think he was unfairly sent instead of Oda/Kozuka in 2014)

 

[caseyedwards]

He knows what +5/-5 is all about and quad restrictionists have won

 

[tamms]

He's only back for this season. Feels like he wants some closure for the way his career had ended in 2014. Whatever the reason is, I'm just happy that we'll see some beautiful skating!

 

[topaz]

Dai is my favorite skater of all time. I will be happy to see him on the ice again.

 

[tas]

Best news of offseason

 

[Areski]

Shocked & Overjoyed.

 

[briancoogaert]

I am shocked. But very happy if his goal is just to enjoy skating.
I don't think he will be competitive, but his skating has always been gorgeous. And I'm so happy to have the chance to watch Carolina Kostner again, even if it's not for a gold medal. So it will be the same for Dai !

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

His comeback sort of makes sense, given that Japan is hosting the world championships in 2019.

Beyond Hanyu and Uno (and I guess, with the unexpected fifth place finish in Milan of Tomono), there isn't a massive degree of depth in Japanese men's skating at the moment. Unlike the women's division, which will have at least nine ladies fighting for three berths at worlds.

 

[chantilly]

Shocked and hopeful

 

[skateboy]

Nobunari Oda is thrilled about Dai's comeback and is joking (maybe hinting?) on Twitter about possibly coming back to competition himself!

 

[hanca]

I am quite happy about him being back. Japan already have Hanyu and Uno so it won’t be a tragedy if the comeback doesn’t work out, but in any case we will be able to enjoy him for a little bit longer. I am sure the international judges won’t give him the points if he doesn’t earn them with his skating, so it is not as if he was ‘stealing’ someone elses chances. If he is good enough, he will be sent to 4CC and worlds, if someone else is better, they will get the third spot and Takahashi will stay at home.

 

[savchenkoboss]

As much as I love him it is kind of strange. He wasn't at the top technically even when he left, he definitely cant even come close to hanging with Hanyu, Chen, or even Uno or Boyang Jin technically. Then again it depends what his motivations for the comeback are. If it isn't so much competitive, and more about personal gain and personal reasons then great for him, all for it then. I just hope it is that, and not particularly high competitive goals like winning worlds, as that isn't at all realistic for him anymore.

 

[tamms]

As much as I love him it is kind of strange. He wasn't at the top technically even when he left, he definitely cant even come close to hanging with Hanyu, Chen, or even Uno or Boyang Jin technically. Then again it depends what his motivations for the comeback are. If it isn't so much competitive, and more about personal gain and personal reasons then great for him, all for it then. I just hope it is that, and not particularly high competitive goals like winning worlds, as that isn't at all realistic for him anymore.

Imo he has pretty realistic goals. He's not looking to compete internationally, though that might change, but his main focus is Nats right now. He's not ruling anything out but he did say he doesn't think he could win over Hanyu and Uno at Nats. His main purpose in returning to competition is that he could face his own skating and build up his body and confidence. He's only back for one season.