If you’re a fan of sports anime with emotional depth and inspiring underdog stories, Medalist is the Winter 2025 anime you can’t miss. This figure-skating series, which premiered on January 5, 2025, has already captured the hearts of viewers with its compelling narrative, authentic skating scenes, and relatable characters. Based on Tsurumaikada’s award-winning manga, Medalist is shaping up to be a standout in the sports anime genre. Here’s everything you need to know about this heartfelt series.
What Is Medalist About?
Medalist follows Inori Yuitsuka, an 11-year-old girl with big dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater, despite being told she’s too old to start seriously training. Her passion for skating is undeniable, but she faces challenges like self-doubt, her mother’s reluctance due to her older sister’s failed skating career, and a lack of formal coaching. Enter Tsukasa Akeuraji, a 26-year-old former ice dancer whose own skating dreams were crushed because he started too late at age 14. Seeing himself in Inori, Tsukasa becomes her coach, guiding her through the competitive world of figure skating with the goal of reaching the All-Japan Novice Championship and beyond.
The story shines through its focus on perseverance, mentorship, and overcoming adversity. Unlike flashier sports anime, Medalist grounds itself in the gritty realities of figure skating, from financial struggles to the emotional toll of competition, making it relatable to anyone chasing a dream against the odds.
Why Medalist Stands Out
Authentic Figure Skating
Medalist sets itself apart with its realistic portrayal of figure skating. The anime collaborated with Japan’s National Skating Federation and real-life skaters, including Olympic medalist Akiko Suzuki, retired skater Yuhana Yokoi, and active competitor Hinano Isobe, to choreograph its skating sequences. Using motion capture, the animators at Studio ENGI captured the fluidity of jumps, spins, and glides, even down to the scratches left by skates on the ice. This attention to detail makes every performance feel like a real competition, immersing viewers in the sport’s beauty and intensity.
Emotional Storytelling
At its core, Medalist is about two underdogs defying expectations. Inori’s struggle with self-esteem and Tsukasa’s journey to find purpose after his own failures create a powerful student-mentor dynamic. The anime doesn’t shy away from tough topics like parental pressure, financial barriers, and the sacrifices required for greatness, making it resonate with a wide audience.
Stellar Voice Acting and Music
The voice cast brings the characters to life, with Natsumi Haruse delivering a heartfelt performance as Inori and Takeo Ootsuka capturing Tsukasa’s mix of regret and determination. The opening theme, “BOW AND ARROW” by Kenshi Yonezu, features a music video with skating legend Yuzuru Hanyu, adding star power that’s drawn millions of views. The ending song, “Atashi no Dress” by Neguse, complements the anime’s emotional tone.
Where to Watch Medalist
Medalist is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, with episodes dropping weekly on Saturdays. In Japan, it airs on TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation block at 1:30 a.m. JST (effectively January 5) and on BS Asahi on January 6. Crunchyroll is expected to offer multilingual subtitles, and Funimation may provide an English-dubbed version for international fans. Check these platforms for the latest availability in your region.
Reception and Impact
Since its debut, Medalist has earned praise for its emotional depth and technical excellence. It topped Niconico’s “Top 10 Winter 2025 Anime” list and has been lauded by fans and critics alike for surpassing expectations, especially given Studio ENGI’s mixed track record. The anime’s first season, with 13 episodes, has already been renewed for a second season, announced on March 29, 2025, signaling strong confidence in its success.
Fans of Yuri!!! on Ice may find Medalist a worthy successor, though it trades romance for a focus on grit and growth. Posts on X highlight the anime’s emotional impact and realistic depiction of skating’s challenges, with viewers calling it “impeccable” and a “must-watch.”
Why You Should Watch Medalist
Medalist is more than just a sports anime—it’s a story about chasing dreams, no matter how late you start or how many obstacles stand in your way. Its blend of authentic skating, heartfelt characters, and inspiring themes makes it a perfect pick for Winter 2025. Whether you’re a figure-skating fan or just love a good underdog tale, Medalist will leave you cheering for Inori and Tsukasa as they skate toward their dreams.
Don’t miss out—catch Medalist on Disney+ or Hulu and join the growing fandom celebrating this gem of a series.
