Medalist Episode 3 Review: Tsukasa Is The Best Anime Sensei!

This episode of Medalist created much hype about Inori preparing for her competition. Let’s see how this episode turned out.

Medalist Episode 2 Episode 2 Preview

Inori’s skating journey has finally begun, but excelling at her age is no easy feat. Despite starting her practice much later than her peers, she pushes herself to give it her all. In this episode, we see her preparing for her first badge test, a certification exam for figure skating. The process starts with preliminary levels, and skaters earn badges as they progress through higher stages. As a beginner, Inori attempts the initial level, which is considered fairly easy to clear.

However, an “easy” test doesn’t mean it’s free of stress or challenges. At the exam venue, Inori faces several reality checks when she encounters more seasoned skaters. One of them is Hikaru, a girl Inori admired from the very first episode. Hikaru, who is the same age as Inori, has already achieved significant success by winning Japan’s National Novice B competition during her debut the previous year.

We’re also introduced to Rioh, another figure skater, but his personality starkly contrasts Hikaru’s. Rioh comes across as arrogant and openly rude, making cutting remarks toward Inori upon their first meeting. Fortunately, Hikaru steps in, showing kindness and standing up for Inori. Hikaru also sparks a newfound determination in Inori, inspiring her to chase victory and strive for greatness.

Medalist Episode 3 Review And Recap

This episode proves just how good of a sports anime this is as we dive deeper into the journey of Inori from a beginner to a professional. Here, she tells her coach Tsukasa about her mother’s decision to let her do skating only till middle school. He knows how he obviously cannot go against her mother’s wishes, but he comes up with a plan. Inori will compete in her very first competition, and if she wins, her mother should be convinced to invest time and money in her.

Thus, keeping this in mind, Inori starts to practice her routine. However, her first problem is the fact that she is painfully shy about herself. Inori does not have much confidence, and she constantly thinks others will make fun of her. Thankfully, she has a good coach who helps her to come out of her shell, and this is also where we see him skate for the first time. I must mention that Tsukasa is an absolutely brilliant skater, and even Inori gets inspired by him.

In this episode, we also see Inori making friends and enemies all at the same time. But that experience helps her grow as a person and make a decision for herself for the very first time. The way Tsukasa guided her into choosing the right path is something that is commendable. He really is one of the best teachers I have seen in anime.

You’ll find this anime incredibly relatable due to its realistic depiction of a beginner’s struggles. Inori knows that having interest and the will to do hard work is not enough, as she constantly sees people younger than her do better. This obviously makes her nervous and doubtful about herself, but at the same time, we see her try time and time again.

Verdict

I love this episode, and I’m especially excited about what Inori will do in the next episode. I really hope she manages to win the tournament and her mother finally understands how much she wants to continue skating. Another great thing would be to see Tsukasa become a successful skater himself.

Also Read: Medalist Episode 2 Review: This Truly Deserves More Hype!!