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Kyoto Prefecture in Japan Witnessed Synchro Skating


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Kyoto-Uji Junior skaters lifted up. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2023)

Kyoto-Uji Synchronized Skating Teams showcased synchro in a local prefecture figure skating competition. Here is what happened.

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When people talk about Kyoto, they usually think about ancient temples such as the magnificent Golden Pavilion of the Kinkaku-ji.  The nearby city of Uji, on the other hand, is famous for tea.  But in the world of synchro, they have active teams taking part in local and national competitions.

The 70th Kyoto Prefecture Figure Skating Championship was held on 18 March at the Kyoto Aquarena.  This prefecture-level competition was opened to single and synchro skating.  Kyoto Uji Synchronized Skating Team sent their Intermediate, Junior and Open Age categories skaters to take part.


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Young skaters of Kyoto-Uji Synchronized Skating Team (Credits: Roy Ng - 2023)

The Intermediate team took the ice as the very first competitor of the day.  They had nine skaters on the ice this time.  There were falls and some errors, but they delivered a pleasant program overall.


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Junior team performed sit and upright spins.  (Credits: Roy Ng - 2023)

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The Junior team did not participate in the 2023 Japan national competition (read it here), so watching their rhythmic Free Skate performance with matching flaming red dresses was wonderful. 

The eight skaters had full facial expressions to go with their program. There was no major fault, and the group lift was smoothly executed. Their spins showed that they had made an effort for this big day.


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Open Age skaters executing a whip intersection (Credits: Roy Ng - 2023)

The Open Age team of young and senior adults performed their "Chandelier" program.  After winning the bronze medal at the 2023 Japan national competition, they continued skating with fuller confidence and no major errors.

Although there was only one entry for each synchro category in this competition, and the scores were not published, the competition was an excellent opportunity for the skaters to perform publicly in front of judges and officials.  Hopefully, more people from other skating disciplines will get got to witness synchro and consider giving it a try.  Until next season let's wait and see what pleasant surprises Kyoto-Uji Synchro Team will bring us.

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