Medalist Episode 11 Review: A Good Enough Teacher

This episode of Medalist was really good as we see Tsukasa trying his best to win over his students. Let’s see how this episode turned out.

Medalist Episode 10 Recap

This episode takes an unexpected leap forward, jumping to Inori’s second year as a skater. She has grown remarkably in both skill and confidence, refining her strokes and securing yet another victory at the Level 5 women’s free skate tournament. Alongside her achievements on the ice, she has also advanced academically, entering sixth grade and successfully passing her fifth batch test. Now, with just one more level to go, she is on the verge of reaching the same stage as Hikaru.

However, Inori’s greatest challenge still lies ahead, the double axel. This difficult move is a mandatory requirement for Level 6, and many aspiring skaters give up at this stage, unable to master it. But before she can tackle this hurdle, she gains an unexpected training partner, Rioh, the same boy who was dismissive and rude to her when they first met.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Rioh will be training under Tsukasa alongside Inori for a few days. However, coaching him is no easy task. Coming from a prestigious background, Rioh is both arrogant and dismissive, caring only for a select few. His condescending attitude quickly becomes a source of frustration, especially when he directs his harsh words at Tsukasa.

While Inori usually doesn’t take insults to heart, she refuses to stay silent when someone disrespects Tsukasa. Protective of her mentor just as he is of her, she becomes more determined than ever. Fueled by Rioh’s harsh remarks, she vows to surpass him and ultimately reach the same competitive stage as Hikaru.

Medalist Episode 11 Review And Recap

Summer training camp has finally started for Rioh and Inori. Here, they get a chance to learn skating from other talented coaches and meet new skating students. In the very first meeting, every skater gets asked about their goal, and even Inori has a lofty one. However, Rioh, who does not think Tsukasa is talented enough to coach him, refuses to write down his goals as he thinks it’s a waste of time.

Rioh is also proving to be more difficult to work with for both Inori and Mike. But he becomes more incorrigible when he shares a bath with coach Tsukasa. Rioh starts to look down on Tsukasa, asking him about his credentials and whether he is qualified enough to teach students who rank higher than him. It is apparent that Rioh thought he could humiliate him with this info, but what he doesn’t know is that Tsukasa has already discussed his lack of certifications with Inori.

Tsukasa becomes deeply hurt because of the blatant disregard Rioh has for his skills. But he is mature enough to not let it get to him. He also promises to himself that he will definitely help Rioh out to prove to him that he is capable of being a good teacher. Inori, on the other hand, also thinks that she must land the double axle so that no one can ever say any bad things about her coach.

In this episode, we simultaneously see both Inori and Tsukasa working hard to prove to others that both of them are capable. Here, we also find out a bit more about Rioh and his past. We discover why he is so pessimistic about himself and the current reason behind his lack of motivation.

Verdict

Today’s episode was truly inspiring as we see someone who clearly knows his limits, accepts his faults and still moves on. On top of that, the perseverance that both Inori and Tsukasa showcase is second to none.

Also Read: Medalist Episode 10 Review: A New Challenge For Inori