Medalist

Medalist spots two skaters who chase a shared dream on the ice. Tsukasa Akeuraji, once a gifted talent who burned out and grew resentful, encounters Inori Yuitsuka, a girl burning to become a figure skater. Her single minded devotion on the rink catches Tsukasa's eye, and he steps in to coach her. The dynamic starts honest and rough but gradually softens as he helps her sharpen technique, timing, and stage presence. As Inori sharpens her moves, Tsukasa rediscovers his own purpose and patience. Their partnership becomes a test of trust and restraint, a push and pull between ambition and balance. In the end they chase a medal while learning what it takes to earn it.

Produced as an animated drama, Medalist is a 2025 release by creators Tsurumaikada and Jukki Hanada. The show features Natsumi Haruse voicing Inori Yuitsuka and Takeo Otsuka voicing Tsukasa Akeuraji.

Critics and viewers have responded with steady interest, praising the steady pacing, the grounded portrayal of mentorship, and the way the series uses skating as a lens for growth rather than pure spectacle. The central themes center on discipline, resilience, and the awkward balance between ambition and care.

As a new entry Medalist has not yet established a large cultural footprint, but the premise and the performance of the leads have generated a small but growing fan base online. It is early days, but the show has sparked conversations about mentoring and personal development in sports stories.