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メダリスト [Medalist] #4
Medalist, Vol. 4
Pur essendo ancora giovane, Tsukasa custodisce già nel cassetto i cocci di un sogno infranto. A causa di problemi finanziari, è stato costretto ad abbandonare il progetto di diventare un atleta d’élite di pattinaggio sul ghiaccio e ora gli tocca sbarcare il lunario esibendosi in tristi spettacoli. Tutto cambia quando incontra Inori, una ragazza che desidera fortemente diventare una pattinatrice ma che, incompresa dalla madre, è costretta ad allenarsi di nascosto. Grazie alla tenacia dimostrata da Inori, Tsukasa decide di diventare il suo coach e di aiutarla a entrare nel duro mondo del pattinaggio artistico. Ha così inizio per i due un lungo e difficile viaggio: la destinazione? I palcoscenici di ghiaccio più importanti del mondo. Shinichiro Sonidori, la medaglia d’argento olimpica che tanto ammira, chiede a Tsukasa di prendere sotto la sua ala il figlio Rio. Quando il ragazzo manca di rispetto al suo maestro, poiché privo di meriti tangibili, Inori si infuria e gli dichiara che sarà lei la prima a fare un triplo più doppio salto e a gareggiare poi ai campionati nazionali novice A. Ha quindi inizio il ritiro estivo in cui Tsukasa metterà in pratica uno speciale allenamento di sua invenzione, per poter salire sullo stesso palcoscenico dei loro rivali Hikaru e Yodaka!
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 11, 2023
For our pair of unconventional figure skating team of teacher-duo Tsukasa and Inori, some unconventional training will be needed to develop a winning program and stand out at the Japan Figure Skating Championships.
This manga continues to be an engaging and well-drawn series depicting the figure skating scene and an uncommon sports manga choice in a genre filled with baseball, basketball, and soccer.
This manga continues to be an engaging and well-drawn series depicting the figure skating scene and an uncommon sports manga choice in a genre filled with baseball, basketball, and soccer.
October 1, 2024
MY GIRL MADE IT!!!!
God I love this story so much. Just the pure fire in these kids hearts to be the best at what they do. Gives me inspiration to push forward. On top of that, the art is just so gorgeous. Love how can tell what's happening even with the amazing action scenes. A easy 4.5 out of 5.
God I love this story so much. Just the pure fire in these kids hearts to be the best at what they do. Gives me inspiration to push forward. On top of that, the art is just so gorgeous. Love how can tell what's happening even with the amazing action scenes. A easy 4.5 out of 5.
August 17, 2025
enjoying the enthusiasm of the series as well as its dynamic art.
April 26, 2022
As her second summer approaches, Inori needs to master some complicated moves if she wants to get her next badge and enter competition. Tsukasa is intent on getting her there, but can he help her do the things he himself is incapable of?
Medalist is the best sports manga going right now, for my money. It knows how to generate thrilling moments, character drama, and all sorts of interesting scenarios without resorting to over the top antics or special powers or anything else.
Following from last volume, we spend a lot of time on Rioh and his utter disdain for Tsukasa’s coaching ability and his belief that, since he never earned any of these badges himself, Tsukasa is completely unequipped to help Inori do anything.
Of course, being a snotty little punk, Rioh gets set straight by Inori, though his antics really burrow underneath Tsukasa’s skin. This volume is really focused on Tsukasa and it’s great seeing his super-cheerful coach facade get broken once in a while.
As befits a strong story like this, Rioh’s got his reasons and his training with Inori’s frenemy Hikaru is part of it. Once Tsukasa gets to the real source of all this, he really teaches Rioh a lesson (not like that!) in a stunner of a sequence that’s the absolute highlight of this volume.
That puts Inori a little bit less in the spotlight this time, but she’s still the lead and no mistake. The way this story has conveyed her growth has been wonderfully done and it isn’t neglecting the passage of time either - she’s clearly growing up as the story progresses and that’s a fantastic touch.
Coming up to her competition, she is still learning as much as she can and trying her best to work on her weak spots. Her drive and determination have always been strong, but with so much lost time to make up for and her self-imposed deadlines she’s even more focused than usual.
Mix in some fun ballet digressions and the always silly Inori-Mittens dynamic, plus the portrayal of how hard training camps are for both teacher and student? Along with the actual exam itself? It’s a full, delicious meal of sporting goodness that has been consistently strong for every volume.
5 stars - a great series remains great. I was impressed with the way the Rioh situation resolved especially. It might not have been an unexpected outcome, but it’s a real showstopper. The rest of it was the same excellent business as usual and an easy recommend for just about anybody.
Medalist is the best sports manga going right now, for my money. It knows how to generate thrilling moments, character drama, and all sorts of interesting scenarios without resorting to over the top antics or special powers or anything else.
Following from last volume, we spend a lot of time on Rioh and his utter disdain for Tsukasa’s coaching ability and his belief that, since he never earned any of these badges himself, Tsukasa is completely unequipped to help Inori do anything.
Of course, being a snotty little punk, Rioh gets set straight by Inori, though his antics really burrow underneath Tsukasa’s skin. This volume is really focused on Tsukasa and it’s great seeing his super-cheerful coach facade get broken once in a while.
As befits a strong story like this, Rioh’s got his reasons and his training with Inori’s frenemy Hikaru is part of it. Once Tsukasa gets to the real source of all this, he really teaches Rioh a lesson (not like that!) in a stunner of a sequence that’s the absolute highlight of this volume.
That puts Inori a little bit less in the spotlight this time, but she’s still the lead and no mistake. The way this story has conveyed her growth has been wonderfully done and it isn’t neglecting the passage of time either - she’s clearly growing up as the story progresses and that’s a fantastic touch.
Coming up to her competition, she is still learning as much as she can and trying her best to work on her weak spots. Her drive and determination have always been strong, but with so much lost time to make up for and her self-imposed deadlines she’s even more focused than usual.
Mix in some fun ballet digressions and the always silly Inori-Mittens dynamic, plus the portrayal of how hard training camps are for both teacher and student? Along with the actual exam itself? It’s a full, delicious meal of sporting goodness that has been consistently strong for every volume.
5 stars - a great series remains great. I was impressed with the way the Rioh situation resolved especially. It might not have been an unexpected outcome, but it’s a real showstopper. The rest of it was the same excellent business as usual and an easy recommend for just about anybody.
May 6, 2025
MY GIRL MADE IT!!!!
God I love this story so much. Just the pure fire in these kids hearts to be the best at what they do. Gives me inspiration to push forward. On top of that, the art is just so gorgeous. Love how can tell what's happening even with the amazing action scenes. A easy 4.5 out of 5.
God I love this story so much. Just the pure fire in these kids hearts to be the best at what they do. Gives me inspiration to push forward. On top of that, the art is just so gorgeous. Love how can tell what's happening even with the amazing action scenes. A easy 4.5 out of 5.
February 20, 2025
The emotion in this art sends me to tears, happy and sad. I love the way Inori and Rioh are growing, and Coach Tsukasa cheering them on and giving them great advice is just 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Great balance of emotion, sports, and gorgeous artwork
Great balance of emotion, sports, and gorgeous artwork
October 7, 2025
I love Inori, and all the art is lovely. Makes me want to take up ice skating like I did after Yuri on Ice. (I didn't really enjoy skating, but maybe if I stuck with it... it's great exercise. ) I almost can't believe one person does all of the work,it's very impressive.
March 26, 2025
Looks like Rioh and Tsukasa has similar personalities. Too bad someone couldn't encourage him past his own walls he built up around himself.
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April 14, 2026Chapter 14 cover has to be a reference to Stand by Me (1986).
January 3, 2023
I think my favorite thing about this series is that its primary relationship is an athlete-coach one, so there's no risk of a romance overtaking the plot, and that means it has to put the majority of its focus on the actual sport. Which. THANK YOU. It's insanely hard to find skating-related media that aren't romance first-skating second, so I love that about this one.
February 27, 2025
UUUUGH THIS SUMMER CAMP ARC WAS EVERYTHINGGGG
I can feel everyone inching closer and closer to their goals. I loved to watch Rioh confront his own desires and understand his dreams better. Tsukasa is my favorite character, so I really loved getting to see the effect that Rioh's words had on him. Tsukasa is someone who is so amazing and capable but he still struggles so much with his past and his insecurity, and I really appreciate watching him grapple with that. Both Tsukasa and Inori turn their insecurities and fears into pure determination and I find that so beautiful! It was such a treat to watch him skate, too!!
I really loved getting to see new sides to Rioh's father too. He seems like a really nice guy even though he has a stern demeanor. And at this point I'm seriously dying to know more about Jun and Hikaru. There's got to be more to their dynamic than what we're seeing. It's almost like they're the protagonists in their own story that we're just not getting to see, besides in that side story about their meeting from a few volumes ago. I must know the answers to all my questions!! CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE!!
I can feel everyone inching closer and closer to their goals. I loved to watch Rioh confront his own desires and understand his dreams better. Tsukasa is my favorite character, so I really loved getting to see the effect that Rioh's words had on him. Tsukasa is someone who is so amazing and capable but he still struggles so much with his past and his insecurity, and I really appreciate watching him grapple with that. Both Tsukasa and Inori turn their insecurities and fears into pure determination and I find that so beautiful! It was such a treat to watch him skate, too!!
I really loved getting to see new sides to Rioh's father too. He seems like a really nice guy even though he has a stern demeanor. And at this point I'm seriously dying to know more about Jun and Hikaru. There's got to be more to their dynamic than what we're seeing. It's almost like they're the protagonists in their own story that we're just not getting to see, besides in that side story about their meeting from a few volumes ago. I must know the answers to all my questions!! CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE!!
October 2, 2024
Volume 4 of Medalist brings Inori and Tsukasa to summer camp, where they focus on getting Inori ready to compete against Hikaru. At summer camp, Rioh continues to be a little brat, and Tsukasa works on getting Rioh to be less of a brat. To round out the brattiness, Mittens also joins the camp.
Jokes about kids being brats aside, seeing Tsukasa battle Rioh's pessimism with optimism and energy is fun to watch. Seeing Tsukasa inspire Rioh not to give up on himself feels like therapy for my own inner child. It doesn't feel like a cliche "never give up" moment, because Tsukasa is up front about his own shortcomings and struggles. He doesn't talk down to any of the kids, and it shows how much he wants to see them succeed on their own terms.
Artistically, this volume feels like a cut above the previous ones. There were a lot of spins, jumps, and performances, and they were all drawn beautifully.
Overall, this was a fantastic volume, and I can't wait to read the next one!
Jokes about kids being brats aside, seeing Tsukasa battle Rioh's pessimism with optimism and energy is fun to watch. Seeing Tsukasa inspire Rioh not to give up on himself feels like therapy for my own inner child. It doesn't feel like a cliche "never give up" moment, because Tsukasa is up front about his own shortcomings and struggles. He doesn't talk down to any of the kids, and it shows how much he wants to see them succeed on their own terms.
Artistically, this volume feels like a cut above the previous ones. There were a lot of spins, jumps, and performances, and they were all drawn beautifully.
Overall, this was a fantastic volume, and I can't wait to read the next one!
December 13, 2023
Questo volume mi ha davvero emozionato. L'arte dell'insegnamento è un dono e Tsukasa questo dono ce l'ha. Grazie ai suoi consigli e al suo supporto costante, non solo Inori, ma anche lo scontroso Rio riesce a tirare fuori il meglio di sé durante il ritiro del club.
Adesso che Inori è riuscita ad arrivare al livello 6 del Badge Test, la sua strada si fa ancora più ripida e al contempo ancora più stimolante. Il suo idolo e rivale Hikaru non è più così lontana.
Fino ad ora Medalist rimane un seinen sportivo eccellente, non si riesce a non empatizzare con tutti i giovani pattinatori sul ghiaccio.
Adesso che Inori è riuscita ad arrivare al livello 6 del Badge Test, la sua strada si fa ancora più ripida e al contempo ancora più stimolante. Il suo idolo e rivale Hikaru non è più così lontana.
Fino ad ora Medalist rimane un seinen sportivo eccellente, non si riesce a non empatizzare con tutti i giovani pattinatori sul ghiaccio.
December 19, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
In this fourth book, most of the action is limited to the training camp. This felt like the book centred on Rioh and his character development arc from little brat to hopeful student. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of long skating scenes. I hope there is more action in the next book as it will have a competition aspect and probably more focus on our future Medalist.
In this fourth book, most of the action is limited to the training camp. This felt like the book centred on Rioh and his character development arc from little brat to hopeful student. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of long skating scenes. I hope there is more action in the next book as it will have a competition aspect and probably more focus on our future Medalist.
August 14, 2024
No one messes with Tsukasa and his credibility! Rioh was an annoying little brat, until he saw the same passion and desperation in Tsukasa skating.
I really enjoyed this volume that included summer campus and test moments. Alot of training and pushing to the limit. My fit reached for the sky for every victory!
I really enjoyed this volume that included summer campus and test moments. Alot of training and pushing to the limit. My fit reached for the sky for every victory!
October 15, 2024
4.5 stars
Super Band! Ich bin richtig stolz auf alle und ihre Entwicklung, wodurch das Ende ein i-Tüpfelchen ist. In dem Band geht es so viel darum, ergeizig zu sein, aus Fehlern zu lernen und das Selbstbewusstsein zu haben, trotz Niederlagen weiterzumachen. Freue mich schon, wenn ich den 5. Band lesen kann
Super Band! Ich bin richtig stolz auf alle und ihre Entwicklung, wodurch das Ende ein i-Tüpfelchen ist. In dem Band geht es so viel darum, ergeizig zu sein, aus Fehlern zu lernen und das Selbstbewusstsein zu haben, trotz Niederlagen weiterzumachen. Freue mich schon, wenn ich den 5. Band lesen kann
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February 7, 2025Rioh is great and I love him, he is unpleasant but it's trauma baybeeeee!!!!! we are supportive of his journey!!!!
also yay for ice dance edges and skills
don't think too hard about how these kids are progressing and how a human being can skate for years and not get anywhere close, don't think about it!! (they are skating every single day, etc)
bye
also yay for ice dance edges and skills
don't think too hard about how these kids are progressing and how a human being can skate for years and not get anywhere close, don't think about it!! (they are skating every single day, etc)
bye
February 14, 2026
5⭐️ I really am having fun every day. I was sad about what I couldn’t do before, but now I’m exited about getting to do it all. And enjoying it. I trust in myself that I can get back up if I fall. I’m chasing my dreams every day. And I love it.
October 18, 2023
IM SO PROUD OF HER!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 2, 2024
Highkey IM BIASED WHEN IT COMES TO TRAINING ARC!
Currently my favorite book out of the whole series. Sooo goood. Why is Coach Tsukasa hotter when he is anxiety.
Currently my favorite book out of the whole series. Sooo goood. Why is Coach Tsukasa hotter when he is anxiety.
November 6, 2024
4.5 stars.
January 28, 2025
4 ⭐ This is going so quickly, but I can't wait to see Inori win medals!!!
February 15, 2026
Level 7 biatch! Let's go!!!
February 25, 2026
absolute cinema.
comic-i-want
April 2, 2026He cute…
April 7, 2026
Tsukasa aura farming with Rioh's routine even though he didn't know half of it is the highlight of this whole book
April 12, 2026
It was cute seeing Inori go back to her worm roots!
May 12, 2026
I'm really enjoying this series, love to see Inori and her friends get better at skating
April 28, 2025
Read Chapter 12 - 4.02.25
Read Chapter 13 - 4.03.25
Read Chapters 14 & 15 - 4.28.25
Read Chapter 13 - 4.03.25
Read Chapters 14 & 15 - 4.28.25
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews