Kenzo Shirai On Team Gold - Team Finals, 2015 World Championships
Oct 29, 2015
Translation thanks to Saya Yabiku: Reporter: What are your thoughts now that youve got a gold medal? Kenzo: œI knew all I can do today were two things- I performed with a strong desire to perfect on the two events and I did it, so I believe I contributed to the team and now I am very satisfied. Reporter: œIt looks like you are a bit emotional, and can see tears in your eyes? Kenzo: œEven all the coaches who usually remain pretty calm were excited about this. Before the performance we all got into a huddle and told each other we'™ll do our best but Kohei's voice was something I've never heard of and I thought, everyone is getting serious! Reporert: œReflecting back, what do you think the journey to this Gold medal was like after 37 years? Kenzo: Because I only perform 2, it is a lot of pressure to handle other 6 people'™s wish to do my best performance. But I am just so appreciative I'™ve got to experience this. Reporter: œYour mom and dad were cheering and praying at the same time- did you receive [the cheers] from them? Kenzo: I could hear them cheer and it was a pressure for me but I think my strength was that I turned it around and did my best performance. Reporter: How do you reflect on your floor performance? Kenzo: œI got tensed up after 1 course, but I think it went well overall. I haven'™t seen the video yet, but I did whatever I could at that moment. Reporter: œWhat do you get out of this Gold medal for next year'™s Rio Olympics? Kenzo: I think we showed and proved to the judge that Team Japan is strong and capable. It doesn'™t mean that we can win doing the same performance as today'™s, so we as a team want to aim high, improve ourselves, and be the best selves for next year. Reporter: œWhat is your role as a member of Team Japan? Kenzo: œI believe I was able to prove other team members that Kenzo Shirai won'™t mess up with his performance even when he is under tremendous pressure. I cannot afford not be that person in the team. Reporter: What is your determination and desire for the 2016 Rio Olympics? Kenzo: œBeing able to perform my best at the world stage lead me to have confidence in myself. I would like to show an improved version of Kenzo Shirai to the world so I continue to train hard. Reporter: œCould you show your gold medal and place is beside your face?
