Adam Hagara. (source: TASR)
Adam Hagara, a young Slovak figure skater, showcased his standard performance with a modest smile at the end of the free skate in the junior Grand Prix of figure skating in Beijing. Immediately after the performance, he wasn't sure about securing a medal, but eventually, the Slovak representative earned a bronze medal.
Hagara became the first Slovak to qualify for the Grand Prix final, whether among juniors or seniors, and he achieved this feat in his debut, clinching a medal, writes Sportnet.
The competition was won by Japanese skater Rio Nakata.
Hagara rightfully proud
Hagara began his free skate to Aerosmith's "Dream On" with a combination of a triple axel and a double toe loop. He followed with a solo triple axel, where the landing was not ideal. However, he executed other jumps superbly, including two valuable combinations of a triple flip with a triple toe loop, and a triple flip with two double axels, the latter being his most valuable element.
His spins were also excellent, all receiving the highest possible level of 4. Hagara scored 141.83 points for his free skate, slightly below his season's best. With a total score of 213.26, he temporarily held the second position, waiting for two more skaters to perform.
"I think I skated well. I was a bit off on the axel, but other than that, it was good. I approached each element with determination and gave it my all. I'm proud of it," commented Hagara backstage on his performance.
Meanwhile, he kept an eye on South Korean skater Juheon Lim, who had a 2.29-point lead over Hagara after the short programme, but made several mistakes in his free skate. When Lim's score appeared, it was clear that he would finish behind the Slovak skater, securing Hagara's medal.
Results of the Grand Prix Final 2023/24 (source: ISU)
"I'm very happy; it was my dream to stand here on the podium, and I managed to do it," said Hagara. Despite the achievement, he doesn't indulge in big celebrations. "I'll probably celebrate it with sleep," he joked.
Later this week, Hagara will face the joint championship of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland in the Czech town of Turnov.
The greatest success in independence
"This is the biggest success of our sport since the establishment of independent Slovakia. Just making it to the Grand Prix final, where the six best juniors or adults compete, and winning a bronze medal in your first appearance is something unheard of," said Jozef Beständig, the president of the Slovak Figure Skating Association, speaking to the TASR news agency.
Neither we nor Adam planned it this way at the beginning of the season, but it worked out, the president added.
"As the president of the association, I can say we have immense, immense joy."
Hagara is already certain to participate in the Junior Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, which will be held in the second half of January. The Slovak will probably perform at the junior and senior world championships, too.
"Now I dream of being in the top 10 at the European Championships," Hagara told Sportnet.
