Photo=Satoko Miyahara performs the ladies short program in the team event of figure skating (Gangneung City)

She was filled with the joy to stand on the glorious stage of the Olympic Games as she had dreamed of for so long. Satoko Miyahara skated the ladies single short program in the figure skating team event and ranked fourth. She reviewed her Olympic debut with a smile saying, "I enjoyed the skating more than I expected. I wasn't nervous."

Under the gaze of the huge audience at the venue, Miyahara landed all three jumps and demonstrated flowing steps. She performed well as a strong Japanese woman, which is the theme of her performance of the program. Although her score was rather low as the combination jumps at the opening of the program were judged as under-rotations, her coach Mie Hamada told her, "You performed with composure."

Miyahara also accepted the result calmly and said, "The performance itself was good. It was not a bad start." Now she is looking ahead to the ladies single skating competition from February 21, where she aims to get an individual medal. Japan's ace, who has a four-year winning streak at the Japanese national championships, powerfully said, "I would like to compete daringly in this favorable mood."