Daisuke Takahashi
DAISUKE TAKAHASHI
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Daisuke Takahashi (高橋 大輔, Takahashi Daisuke), born March 16, 1986 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese figure skater. He is the 2002 World Junior Champion, the three-time Japanese National Champion (2006-2008), the 2007 World silver medalist, the 2008 Four Continents Champion and was a member of the 2006 Olympic team. Takahashi is currently ranked first in the world.
Daisuke Takahashi, 2007 World Silver Medalist and 2007 Japanese National Champion, is most remembered for his powerful skating and difficult variations in his spinning positions and footwork sequences. He is one of the few men who performs a layback spin, a difficult move required in the ladies division. Daisuke first started skating at the age of 8 and his figure skating idols included Alexei Yagudin, Evgeni Plushenko and fellow countryman, who is now retired, Takeshi Honda.
Daisuke is currently a student at Kansai University in Japan. His rigorous training schedule takes place in both Osaka, Japan and Simsbury, Conneticut in the US. Some hobbies off the ice include reading, dancing and window shopping. His favorite foods include Chinese meat dumpling and deep-fried chicken. If one was to ever wonder why Daisuke's hair is always so eloquent and unique, that is because his mother is a hairstylist. Before he was born, Daisuke's parents, his father is an architect (just to put it out there), were hoping that he would be a girl since he has 3 older brothers. In contrast to figure skating, his brothers all take karate while Daisuke chose not to because he "hates pain". And that is excactly why he chose figure skating and it's suicidal falls that may happen in practice when attempting insane jumps.
Early Skating
Although clearly mentioned above, Daisuke started the sport of figure skating at the tender age of 8 years old. He first burst into the figure skating circuit in the year of 2002 when he was only 16 years old, winning the gold medal at the 2002 Junior World Championships. Before the Junior World Championships, Daisuke was already competing on the senior level in Japan and had finished 4th in the men's championships that same year.
Pretty soon, Japan began sending Daisuke to top ISU competitions such as the Four Continents, ISU Grand Prix events (senior), and finally the World Championships in 2004. However, the young phenom may have been experiencing too much too soon.
A Moment's Decline
Shifting gears from the junior level to senior may have caused Daisuke's brief decline in performing well during the next two seasons because of its more difficult requirements. There is a definite and clear difference between Junior Men and Senior Men; a more mature outlook upon skating and of course the higher degree of expectations in jumps, spins and footwork sequences. Daisuke had recieved much more intricate programs along with much more intricate jumps to boot. He had planned a quad-triple combination, the highest level of difficulty when referring to jumps, in both his short and long program. A confident and strong looking skater at first glance before his programs, Daisuke clearly showed nerves through his uncontrolled body movements although he showed great charisma.
That same year, Daisuke was sent along with Takeshi Honda to the 2005 World Championships to compete. A very important it was indeed; this was the year in which the placements by the competitors determined the number of spots their country would gain in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Unfortunately, during the qualification rounds for Worlds, Daisuke's teammate Takeshi injured his foot and was unable to continue on for the rest of the competition. That left Daisuke to compete on his own and to see what would happen to Japan's fate in the Olympics.
Skating a brilliant short program, Daisuke found himself in 7th place among the heavy gunners and his personal best included a quad-triple combo, huge triple axel and easy triple lutz. However, pressure may have mounted itself on Daisuke and he finished 18 in the free skate and 15 overall. Finishing in the top 15 meant only one spot for Team Japan at the 2006 Olympic Men's Figure Skating competition.
The Return of the Dai
Knowing that the Japanese Federation would be judging upon the results of important competitions prior to their nationals, Daisuke completely transformed into a new skater. His footwork and spins have already been known to the public eyes as amazing, but the confidence and personality he's brought completely elevated his package in skating as a whole. He began competing better and started landing his jumps more consistent in competitions. However, his goal to be the one to earn the one spot for Japan was challenged by the new kid and jumping bean- Nobunari Oda.
Soon the rivalry was sparked between the two on who was going to represent Japan at the 2006 Winter Games. At the Japanese Nationals, much of it was full of surprises and tears. Both had skated excellent although Nobunari had just been announced the clear champion of Japan. However, during a review implemented by the judging panel they noticed a big error on Daisuke's protocol and he earned more points that he was given. This gave Daisuke the edge over Nobunari and the awards ceremony was redone and Nobunari's title was taken away from him. In order to make things a little more "fair", the Japanese Federation decided to give Nobunari the spot at the 2006 Worlds Championships instead of Daisuke competing at both of the prestigous events. Daisuke was to represent Japan at the 2006 Winter Games in this bittersweet moment.
At the most important competition of his life, Daisuke ended up drawing first in the Men's Short Program event. He performed well, landing all his jumps although he seem to hold back a little. He held on to 5th place respectively and went on to compete in the final group. Daisuke seemed to always be choosing unlikable positions and he skated last in his group. Appearing nervous, Daisuke finished 9th in the free skate but 8th overall. He had returned but the nerves may have prevented him from being able to perform what he is capable of doing.
Shining Star
Wanting to improve and become the best he could be, Daisuke turned to Nikolai Morozov in training him to become consistent in his programs. It was evident that Nikolai has been a huge part in Daisuke's improvement because the competitions leading up to 2007 World Championships, Daisuke had never missed a jump in his short programs and he had been landing his quad toe consistently in his long.
Being known as the one after the Olympics of "not being able to do it when it counts", that statement was trashed after he had the skate of his lifetime in his home country. Proving to the audience and spectators around the world that he is a force to be reckon with. His tentative program was forgotten as he rose to the occasion in landing all his jumps of good quality and performing to his greatest. His footwork would have to be the most touching part as it was clearly seen that he had put his all into it.
Although finishing first in the long but second overall, Daisuke will always be known as the skater would had turned around his life through himself and his will. His elegant skating was not achieved in one day, it was long process that included difficult obstacles of falling and even having upset feelings. Daisuke represents what a true champion is.
Closing
Daisuke obviously has goals of becoming World and Olympic champion in the long run, but Daisuke is obviously one that thinks about the present and someone who lives and enjoy in the moment. With kindness, a positive attitude and humility, many great things have yet to come.
Surse :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisuke_Takahashi
http://daisuke.quirkysebs.net/about/bio.php
Reply With Quote
..ziua lui e maine..nu stiam, so..Happy Birthday, Dai!
Ai dreptate, Cris: Happy birthday,Dai!
Tare comica mai e Yvonne asta..sincer imi pare bine ca o pastreaza astia la eurosport
A doua e superba..cand o sa am timp o prelucrez nitel pentru avatar
