Knitting has long been known as a relaxing and therapeutic hobby, but for Olympic medalist, Yuto Totsuka, it is much more than that. This young snowboarder from Japan has found a unique way to calm his nerves before competitions – knitting.
Totsuka first discovered knitting as a form of relaxation during his training for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. He picked up the needles at the suggestion of his coach, who had noticed that Totsuka was often anxious and restless before competitions. Totsuka was initially skeptical, but after giving it a try, he quickly fell in love with the activity.
“It’s like meditation for me,” Totsuka said in an interview with a Japanese news outlet. “It helps me to focus and relax my mind before a competition.”
Totsuka’s love for knitting has only grown since then, and he has since become an avid knitter. He often brings his knitting needles and yarn with him to competitions and training camps, and it has become an integral part of his pre-competition routine.
But what exactly is it about knitting that has captured the attention of this young athlete? For Totsuka, it’s the repetitive and rhythmic nature of the activity that helps to calm his mind. Just like the smooth and constant motion of his snowboard on the slopes, the act of knitting provides a sense of stability and control. It allows him to focus on something other than the pressures of competition and helps him to enter a state of flow.
In addition to the mental benefits, knitting also has physical benefits for Totsuka. The repetitive motion of knitting helps to relieve tension in his hands and arms, which can become sore and fatigued from long hours of training. It also helps him to improve his dexterity and fine motor skills, which are crucial for his sport.
Totsuka’s fellow athletes and coaches have also noticed the positive impact of knitting on his performance. In a sport where focus and control are essential, knitting has become an unexpected but valuable tool for Totsuka to stay calm and centered before taking to the slopes.
But Totsuka’s love for knitting doesn’t just stop at the calming effects it has on his mind and body. He also enjoys the creative aspect of it and has even started designing his own patterns. He often knits gifts for his friends and family, and even his teammates have started to request custom-made beanies and scarves.
Totsuka’s unique hobby has not only helped him to improve as an athlete, but it has also brought a new level of attention to the world of knitting. His love for the craft has inspired many people, especially in Japan, to take up knitting as a form of relaxation and self-care.
In a world where athletes are often portrayed as tough and fearless, Totsuka’s openness about his love for knitting has challenged societal norms and sparked conversation about the importance of mental well-being in sports.
Totsuka’s knitting has also caught the attention of the media, with many outlets featuring stories about this unexpected hobby of an Olympic medalist. Some have even dubbed him the “knitting snowboarder” and have praised him for breaking stereotypes and promoting a healthy balance between physical and mental health.
As Totsuka prepares to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, his trusty knitting needles and yarn will surely be by his side. And while he may have his sights set on another medal, it is clear that for him, knitting will always be more than just a hobby. It is a form of self-care, a way to stay grounded, and a reminder to enjoy the little things in life.
So the next time you see Yuto Totsuka on the snowboarding slopes, remember that behind the fearless athlete is a passionate knitter who has found a unique way to stay calm and focused before the ultimate challenge. As Totsuka himself says, “Knitting is not just a hobby, it’s a way of life.”
