8 Reasons Yuuri Katsuki is Actually Amazing

Now, having seen the show we have come to understand that Yuuri is by far the definition of an unreliable narrator. Not to say that he isn't great at telling his story, it's just that... he isn't? Don't get us wrong, we love Yuuri! (Would we have a blog dedicated to him if we didn't? I think not!) It's just that he has done a pretty terrible job at telling us what actually is going on and it's not really his fault. Depression and anxiety really does a number on you, so it's completely understandable that our Katsudon has a skewed view on his reality. Good thing, we've made it our job to set things straight!

In the very first episode, Yuuri introduces himself to us as one of the "dime a dozen" skaters in Japan and sets up this belief that he isn't that skilled at the sport when in reality, it's the exact opposite. He belittled himself so much that the audience starts of believing he's not so great. (Admit it! We all fell for it when we first watched the show and had to realize just how wrong we were!)

Yuuri is actually pretty amazing at what he does and here are some reasons why:

1. Certified by the JSF

And not only that, but at the time he is the only male skater shown to be certified!

For those of you who aren't to familiar with the specifics of the world of ice skating, the JSF is the sports governing body over figure skating, speed skating, and short track speed training. On a basic level, the JSF deals with developing eligible skaters, hosting coaching programs, and training judges. They are the end all be all and Japanese skaters certified by them are the real deal.

2. Grand Prix Finalist

Yuuri may have placed last at this competition but we need to take a moment to remind ourselves that Yuuri was not himself during his performance. Receiving a call about the death of your pet can mess anyone up and for someone who is already dealing with the amount of anxiety Yuuri has, its no wonder it sent him spiraling into depression. Even the commentator mentioned that Yuuri was so obviously not himself, and we can be sure that he wasn't the only person to notice this.

Another thing we should probably remind ourself (and Yuuri as well) that only the best of the best even make it to the GPF. Yuuri placed 6th out off the six best skaters in the world.

3. Poster Boy for Hometown

There a posters of Yuuri literally all around his hometown and we can see a few of them in the background of a few scenes. Yuuri has the support and admiration of his entire town, friends, and of course, his family, who even has his favorite dish (katsudon) named after him on their menu.

4. Hidden Trophies

In the year following the events of Yuuri's first GPF, we are able to see just how difficult it is to even be able to go to the GPF. Competitin after completion, Yuuri would have to place a certain amount of times to even be eligible to go to the GPF. Because Yuuri isn't fond of speaking of his accomplishments, it is left to us to find the hints and clues sprinkled throughout the show. In this case, they would be in the form of medals found around his family home.

5. Stammi Vicino

A year after his flop, and after finishing college, Yuuri returned to his home town for the first time in over four years. The toll of his depression regarding the previous year's events showed in his weight gain from lack of training and this physical change was brought to our attention by his dance instructor, Minako. Yuuri was now from from his peak condition and ideal weight for his skating career and Minako was far from happy about it.

The importance of mentioning this becomes clear later in the episode when Yuuri goes to the local ice rink, Ice Castle, to see his childhood friend whom he then performs Viktor's gold medal winning routine to Stammi Vicino (Stay Close to Me) to perfection. Nearly year without proper training or coaching and Yuuri still managed to skate such a routine perfectly. If that's not skill, I don't know what is.

6. He's Got a Genuine Fanboy

Minami is a fan to Yuuri as Yuuri is to Viktor- except he doesn't end up with his idol as our narrator does. We see Minami gushing and in awe of Yuuri when he is first presented to us (we even witness a fangirl level reaction from him equivalent to that of ours when Viktor applies Yuuri's chaptstick) and we are genuinely confused as to why Yuuri seems to not realize this. Instead, Yuuri is cautious of the younger male and simply goes about keeping to himself until Viktor chimes in about the disrespect he is showing.

Now, Yuuri may not have a fan club as massive or apparent as that of Yuri Plisetsky but judging by the cute scene we get of Minami with the triplets, one could be forming soon.

7. SMASHES FACE AGAINST THE WALL and keeps going

During one of the earlier competitions, Yuuri was performing his routine, Yuri on Ice, when suddenly he lost his footing and accidentally smashed his entire face against the wall of the rink. One would think that falling to the ground and wishing your mother was there would be a valid reaction to having your face smashed in but this isn't the case with Yuuri. He immediately removes himself from the wall and continues to skate as if it was nothing, only to have blood roll down his face once he's done. We don't know if this is skill or just complete perseverance, but it is definitely a reason that Yuuri is amazing.

8. Nearly Nails a Quad Flip (on the first try!)

After getting a few things off his chest just prior to this performance, Yuuri is surprisingly very calm and peaceful as he does his routine. Usually, he psychoanalyzes his skating which causes him to become anxious and mess up but here, he was calm and level headed enough to make a conscious yet risky decision: try a quad flip.

This particular move is not only Viktor's signature move, but something incredibly difficult to do. It's such a tiring move that Viktor himself has only performed it in the beginning of a routine instead of near the end, where it would theoretically be impossible unless the skater somehow has infinite stamina.

That being said, Yuuri decides on a whim to add it in, completely unplanned yet he manages to get just enough rotations in to earn the points before losing his footing.

Viktor was stunned, to say the least.

Yuuri has proven to be a character who is not only great in regards to his skill, but also in the way he relates to his audience. He's sensitive but smart and strong even if he doesn't know it. Even though he's got Viktor to point out these stellar qualities, we'll also work to take note of those things. There are plenty more reasons why Yuuri is amazing and besides, we can't let Viktor do all the work, can we?

#Yuuri #UnreliableNarrator