Medalist [Season 1 Episode 11]

“Medalist” Episode 11 Review: A Dance of Determination and Growth

Title: Dance the Night
Studio: ENGI
Director: Yasutaka Yamamoto
Streaming: Disney+ (Global), Hulu (U.S.)

A Leap Forward for Inori

Episode 11 of Medalist kicks off the training camp arc with a bang, and fans are absolutely loving the progress Inori makes. From landing a Double Axel to nailing a Triple Salchow in the same day, her growth is nothing short of inspiring. One fan on MyAnimeList put it perfectly: “Inori just gives me the motivation to push myself to be better every single day!” And honestly, same. Her relentless drive and Tsukasa’s unwavering support make for a duo that’s impossible not to root for.

The episode also dives deeper into Inori’s relationships, particularly with Miketarou, whose adorable interactions with her under the covers had fans gushing. “Their sleeping postures trying to jump are cute too,” one commenter noted. It’s these small, heartwarming moments that balance out the intensity of the skating scenes.

Tsukasa: The Coach Who Defies Gravity (Literally?)

Tsukasa continues to steal the show with his larger-than-life personality. Whether he’s fanboying over Inori’s jumps or casually defying physics (“Tsukasa having enough latent Looney Tunes energy to momentarily defy gravity somehow doesn’t surprise me,” joked a fan), he’s a constant source of entertainment. But beyond the humor, this episode highlights his struggles as a former skater who never got his shot. His dynamic with Rioh—the bratty, talented rival—adds a new layer to his character.

Speaking of Rioh, his backstory finally gets some attention, and while it doesn’t excuse his rudeness (“I don’t condone violence against children, but he would be an exception,” one user quipped), it does make him more relatable. The pressure of being the son of a silver medalist, combined with his unrequited admiration for Jun Yodaka, explains his prickly attitude. Still, fans are eager to see him humbled—preferably by Tsukasa’s skating skills.

The Ice (and the Drama) Heats Up

The training camp setting amps up the tension, with Rioh challenging Tsukasa’s credentials (“What’s your singles badge level?”). Tsukasa’s response? Pure gold. Fans are hyped for the inevitable moment when he steps onto the ice and shuts Rioh down for good. “Sensei seems like he is about to show his elegant dance, let’s see the kid regret his actions,” one viewer predicted.

Meanwhile, the episode teases Tsukasa’s past regrets, hinting at a deeper emotional arc. His bond with Inori isn’t just about coaching—it’s about redemption. As one fan put it, “If he could push Inori to her current state of greatness, then it was only a matter of time before he would get Rioh to crack.”

Final Thoughts: Why This Episode Shines

Medalist Episode 11 delivers everything fans love about the series:
– Inori’s unstoppable growth (seriously, she’s a beast).
– Tsukasa’s chaotic charm (ripped physique and all).
– Rioh’s slow but sure character development (we’re getting there, kid).

The humor, the heart, and the skating action blend seamlessly, leaving viewers eager for more. As one fan summed it up: “Another excellent episode! Tsukasa and Inori running for couple of the season!” (Okay, maybe not that kind of couple, but their chemistry is undeniable.)

With only a few episodes left in the season, Medalist shows no signs of slowing down. If you’re not already watching, now’s the time to jump in—preferably with a triple axel.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 – Minus half a star because we still need to see Tsukasa skate!)

What did you think of Episode 11? Drop your thoughts in the comments!