Medalist

Medalist is a 2025 television series produced by the animation studio ENGI, based on the manga series by Tsurumaikada. The story follows Tsukasa Akeurashiba, a failed skater, and Inori Yuitsuka, a young girl with an intense passion for figure skating, as they navigate the competitive world of ice sports. The production was developed to capture the emotional intensity and technical nuance of skating, focusing on the mentor-student dynamic between the two leads as they pursue the elusive goal of becoming champions.

The anime is noted for its character designs which aim to translate Tsurumaikada's expressive manga art into an animated format. ENGI worked to balance the demanding movement of skating sequences with the character-driven drama that defines the source material. Upon its release, the series received attention for its portrayal of the dedication required in figure skating and its focus on the psychological growth of its protagonists, positioning it as a distinct entry within the sports genre.