Staffel
Episode
Player-Server
Medalist
20258
AnimationDrama
Veröffentlicht
05. Jan. 2025
Land
Japan
Produktionen
ENGIKodanshaKADOKAWATV Asahi
Tsukasa Akeuraji, ein frustrierter Eiskunstläufer, trifft auf Inori Yuitsuka, die Eiskunstläuferin werden will. Als Tsukasa beginnt, Inori zu trainieren, blüht ihr Talent auf, und Tsukasa wird zu einem brillanten Mentor. Gemeinsam wollen sie Inori zu einer erfolgreichen Medaillengewinnerin machen.
About
Quick guide
Medalist is a sports drama anime following a former skater turned coach guiding a young prodigy toward competition.
Medalist centers on Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former professional skater whose career stalled before he could reach the top. After meeting Inori Yuitsuka, a determined self‑taught 11‑year‑old who dreams of skating professionally, Tsukasa sees a chance to make the sport better. He becomes her unofficial coach, encouraging her to join a formal club while confronting his own doubts about success and the sport’s demands. As Inori’s raw talent blossoms, Tsukasa must balance the pressure of elite competition, familial opposition, and the financial realities of skating. Together they strive to turn her ambition into a medal‑winning reality while learning about resilience and mentorship.
What to know
- Anime adaptation of award‑winning manga by Tsurumaikada.
- Focuses on figure skating with realistic training sequences.
- Main characters: Tsukasa Akeuraji and Inori Yuitsuka.
- Explores ambition, mentorship, and the cost of elite sport.
- Available on Disney+ and Hulu in North America.
- 12‑episode limited series, each about 23 minutes.
- Voice cast features well‑known Japanese actors.
- Suitable for teens and adults, not for very young children.
Watch if
If you enjoy thoughtful sports dramas that balance technical skill with personal growth, Medalist offers a nuanced look at figure skating’s demands and the mentor‑mentee bond that can shape a young athlete’s path.
Skip if
Skip this series if you prefer lighthearted anime or are averse to intense competition scenes, complex character struggles, or the realistic portrayal of skating’s physical and emotional toll.
uplifting tonemature themespsychological elementsslow burnintense action
What Medalist Explores
Medalist dives into the world of figure skating, highlighting the sport’s physical demands and artistic expression. It portrays the emotional journey of athletes who push past injury, financial pressure, and self‑doubt. The series also examines the responsibilities of a coach and the impact of early specialization on a young skater’s life.
Main Characters Overview
Tsukasa Akeuraji is a former professional skater who, after a stalled career, becomes an unlikely coach. Inori Yuitsuka is an 11‑year‑old self‑taught skater with raw talent and ambition. Their relationship develops from skepticism to mutual respect, showcasing how guidance can unlock potential while confronting the realities of competitive skating.
Plot and Setting
The series opens at a bustling skating rink, where Tsukasa encounters Inori and offers her a chance to train formally. As episodes progress, viewers see training drills, family conversations, and early competitions. The setting shifts between the rink, home, and club, illustrating the day‑to‑day struggles that accompany a dream of international success.
Animation and Style
Studio ENGI delivers a blend of hand‑drawn and CGI skating sequences, aiming for fluid motion that captures the sport’s elegance. Backgrounds are detailed, while character designs retain the manga’s distinctive style. The animation balances technical accuracy with stylistic flair, supporting the series’ emotional pacing without compromising visual clarity.
Themes and Messages
Core themes include the cost of ambition, the weight of parental expectations, and the power of resilience. The show addresses mental health challenges and the importance of mentorship in guiding young talent. It also touches on the ethical dilemmas of early specialization and the personal sacrifices athletes make to compete at the highest level.
Where to Watch
Medalist streams on Disney+ and Hulu in North America, airing weekly on Saturdays. International fans can access it via official simulcasts in their region. Subtitles and dubbed versions are available in multiple languages, making the series accessible to a global audience eager for a realistic sports narrative.
Fan Reception
Viewers and critics praise the series for its authentic depiction of figure skating, grounded character development, and the emotional depth of its mentor‑student relationship. Some note the pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to build organically. Overall, Medalist has carved a niche among sports anime enthusiasts looking for realism over fantasy.
FAQ
23 Q&A
What is Medalist about?
Medalist is a sports drama that follows a former professional skater who becomes a coach for a talented 11‑year‑old girl. The series explores their journey through the challenges of training, family expectations, and the pursuit of competitive success.
Who are the main characters in Medalist?
The main characters are Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former skater turned coach, and Inori Yuitsuka, a self‑taught 11‑year‑old figure skater with raw talent. Their evolving relationship drives the story.
What sport does Medalist feature?
Medalist centers on figure skating, showcasing the sport’s technical demands and artistic expression through realistic training scenes and competitions.
Is Medalist based on a manga?
Yes, the anime adapts the award‑winning manga series by Tsurumaikada, preserving many of its key plot points and character dynamics.
Who voices Tsukasa and Inori?
Tsukasa is voiced by a seasoned actor, while Inori’s voice brings youthful energy. The casting aims to reflect each character’s personality and growth.
How many episodes does Medalist have?
The series is a 12‑episode limited run, with each episode running approximately 23 minutes.
Where can I watch Medalist?
In North America, Medalist streams on Disney+ and Hulu. International viewers can access it through region‑specific simulcasts with subtitles and dubbed options.
Does Medalist have an English dub?
An English dub is available on both Disney+ and Hulu, allowing non‑Japanese speakers to enjoy the series.
When did Medalist first air?
The anime premiered in early 2025, with episodes released weekly on Saturday across its streaming partners.
What is the tone of the series?
Medalist adopts a realistic, emotionally grounded tone that balances the intensity of competitive skating with moments of personal reflection.
Does Medalist use real skating footage?
The series blends hand‑drawn animation with CG skating sequences to realistically portray the sport without using actual footage.
Are there any notable themes in Medalist?
Key themes include ambition, mentorship, family dynamics, the psychological toll of competition, and the importance of resilience.
Who created the original Medalist manga?
The original manga was created by Tsurumaikada, who crafted the story and characters that the anime adapts.
What age group is Medalist suitable for?
The series is aimed at teens and adults due to its mature themes, realistic portrayal of sport, and occasional intense scenes.
How does the coach-mentee dynamic work in Medalist?
Tsukasa becomes Inori’s informal coach, guiding her through technical skills while offering emotional support, which helps both characters grow.
Does the series have original music?
Yes, Medalist features an original score that complements the skating scenes and emotional beats of the story.
Are there any guest voice actors?
The series includes cameo appearances by well‑known voice actors in supporting roles, adding depth to the world.
How does Medalist handle injury and recovery?
Injury scenarios are portrayed realistically, showing the physical and mental challenges of recovery without sensationalizing the process.
Will there be a sequel or continuation?
At present, the series is a self‑contained 12‑episode arc; future extensions depend on fan response and production decisions.
Is there a lighthearted or comedic element in Medalist?
The tone remains grounded, focusing more on drama and realism than comedic relief.
Are there any controversial or mature moments?
The show addresses mature issues such as financial strain, parental pressure, and the emotional strain of competition, but it avoids graphic content.
How does Medalist differ from other sports anime?
Unlike many sports titles, Medalist emphasizes the psychological aspects of skating and the mentor’s role rather than only competition outcomes.
What makes Medalist unique in the figure skating genre?
Its focus on a coach’s redemption arc, realistic depiction of skating training, and exploration of the cost of ambition set it apart.
Schauspieler
Natsumi Haruse
Inori Yuitsuka (voice)
Takeo Otsuka
Tsukasa Akeuraji (voice)