by A special support illustration for the anime Medalist has been released—and fans can’t stop talking about it. The artwork comes from acclaimed manga artist Miki Yoshikawa, best known for hits like The Quintessential Quintuplets and A Couple of Cuckoos. Her dynamic and playful tribute to Medalist has quickly become a trending topic among anime fans.
The illustration, shared via the official Medalist anime website and social media accounts, captures the heart of the series while adding Yoshikawa’s signature sense of humor.
What Happens in the Illustration?
In the newly released artwork:
- Protagonist Yuzuki Inori glides energetically across the ice
- She holds a taiyaki in her mouth
- In her hand is a stuffed earthworm… that appears to be moving
The most eye-catching detail is the “living” stuffed earthworm, which wriggles as if it has a mind of its own. The unexpected motion creates a hilarious scene as Inori’s coach, Tsukasa (Michishi Akiura), looks completely panicked behind her.
The exaggerated movement of the worm, combined with Inori’s confident skating pose, creates a powerful sense of speed and motion. The composition feels almost cinematic—balancing elegance and absurd comedy in a single frame.
Why Fans Are Loving It
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised:
- The collaboration between Yoshikawa and Medalist
- The playful and high-energy composition
- The adorable yet chaotic expression on Tsukasa’s face
- The sense of speed in Inori’s skating pose
Many commented that the illustration perfectly captures the contrast at the heart of Medalist: serious athletic ambition mixed with youthful charm and humor.
Some fans joked that anyone would panic if a stuffed earthworm suddenly started moving mid-performance.
About Medalist
Medalist is based on the manga by Tsurumai Ikada, currently serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon. The story centers on:
- Inori Yuzuki, a young girl determined to become a world-class figure skater
- Tsukasa Akiura, a former skater who becomes her dedicated coach
Together, they chase the dream of standing atop the podium as “medalists.”
Unlike many sports anime, Medalist dives deeply into:
- The psychological pressure of competitive figure skating
- The physical training required to perform at elite levels
- The emotional bond between athlete and coach
The anime adaptation premiered its second season on January 24, 2026, further expanding the story’s dramatic arcs and competition sequences.
Why This Collaboration Matters
Support illustrations from well-known creators are a tradition in the anime and manga industry. However, when an artist as popular as Miki Yoshikawa contributes, it brings additional attention to the series.
This crossover moment:
- Introduces Medalist to Yoshikawa’s fanbase
- Highlights the camaraderie within the manga industry
- Reinforces the growing popularity of sports anime
For beginners unfamiliar with the series, Medalist blends heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling with the elegance of figure skating. It balances serious competition with lighthearted character moments—exactly what Yoshikawa’s illustration playfully emphasizes.
The Growing Popularity of Sports Anime
Sports-themed anime continue to thrive globally, with figure skating offering visually stunning choreography and emotional storytelling. Medalist stands out because it focuses not just on winning—but on perseverance, mentorship, and self-belief.
The addition of Yoshikawa’s lively tribute helps spotlight the anime’s tone: dramatic yet playful, intense yet heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
Miki Yoshikawa’s support illustration for Medalist perfectly captures the spirit of the series. Inori’s energetic glide, the hilariously animated earthworm, and Tsukasa’s flustered reaction combine into a scene that feels both epic and comedic.
As Season 2 continues airing, moments like this remind fans why Medalist is winning hearts—both on and off the ice.
Whether you’re a longtime sports anime fan or new to figure skating stories, this collaboration is yet another reason to give Medalist a watch.
