: Inori was highlighted for her relatable struggles with school and social exclusion, using the ice as her sole sanctuary.
: Medalist Volume 1 was released digitally in English on May 18, 2021. The release was promoted as part of Kodansha's spring digital initiative and was available across multiple major platforms, including:
, a former skater whose own dreams were cut short. Their relationship is not just one of instruction but of mutual redemption: Reflection of Self : Tsukasa sees his younger, overlooked self in Inori. Shared Burden medalist raw manga 2021
The defining arc of the 2021 raw releases centered around the Mejo Cup. This was the narrative turning point where the manga elevated from "promising" to "masterpiece."
Medalist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by the artist (つるまいかだ). The story follows Inori Yuitsuka , a determined fifth-grade girl who dreams of becoming a world-class figure skater. Her path is fraught with obstacles: at 11 years old, she is considered "too old" to start competing at a high level, and her mother refuses to support her dream after her older sister's failed skating career. : Inori was highlighted for her relatable struggles
In 2021, the manga covered high-stakes events including Inori's progress through the Preliminary Badge Tests and the competitive Meikoh Cup Next Manga Awards: In August 2021, the series ranked in the print category of the Next Manga Awards , a precursor to its first-place win the following year. 萌娘百科 Volume Releases (Japan/Raw)
The 2021 raw chapters covered Inori’s transition from a girl sneaking onto the ice to a legitimate competitive threat. It introduced fierce rivals, intricate judging mechanics, and the harsh psychological toll of youth sports. The stakes shifted from "Can Inori skate?" to "Can Inori survive the brutal pressures of the novice competitive circuit?" The Appeal of Reading Raw Manga Their relationship is not just one of instruction
The anticipation building up to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics had sports fans craving realistic figure skating content.
Let us look at why the raw version matters technically. In Medalist , there is a two-page spread of Inori performing a Biellmann spin.
Today, the raw chapters from 2021 hold a special significance for long-time fans. They mark the beginning of a journey that would eventually see Medalist win the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award and the 48th Kodansha Manga Award, and receive a top-tier anime adaptation in 2025.
The manga follows , a young girl with an intense passion for figure skating but limited opportunities, and Tsukasa Akeuraji , a former skater whose own competitive dreams were cut short. Together, the two form an underdog team determined to reach the top of the skating world. The series is praised for its technical accuracy—stemming from the author’s extensive personal research—and its raw emotional depth. 2021 Milestones: Raws and Global Expansion