Moguls skier and Olympic medalist Daichi Hara made his professional debut in keirin racing at Hiroshima Velodrome on Friday, but he is looking toward his signature freestyle skiing event at 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
The 23-year-old, who earned the bronze medal in men's moguls at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, took part in the class A qualifying round of the "Rookie series," in which about 70 first-year riders will compete for the top spot.
Hara finished third out of seven competitors at that day.
"I felt my body drifting and I hesitated to go forward when the speed [of the pack] dropped. I have regrets, but I've learned a lot," Hara said, looking back on his race.
When asked about his goal, he said he aims to move up to the S class, in which only the top 30% of racers are able to compete.
In the future, he said that he aims to balance cycling and moguling, and showed confidence he can win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
"I feel myself getting leaner. The quality of my muscles will get denser and should be a plus for me when competing in moguls races."
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