Olympic Champion Arakawa throws out first pitch at Seibu Dome

Translation (by FSU poster MINAM) of Shizuka's remarks from the original  'Livedoor News'  interview article in Japanese 

Generously shared by our friend Pete Murray of Blazing Blades

Shizuka Arakawa threw out the first pitch at Japan's Seibu Dome on Sunday (March 26) and afterward offered her thoughts on the experience.

 "I have always wanted to throw the first pitch. Although I'm happy of having the opportunity, I should have practiced more. The first time I  threw a baseball was yesterday, and it was about 10 times. It didn't go straight but it did reach the catcher so I'd give myself 85 points (out of  100). The uniform has "SHIZUKA 1" on the back. I like it. I'd like to create an ice show with a baseball theme and use this uniform again. Mr. Kiyohara (Orix slugger) gave me an autographed bat. Thank you very much.

When actually standing on the pitcher's mound, the home base (18.44m) looked so far than watching on TV. Then, it looked so close when Mr. Kiyohara stepped in. I was more nervous than at the Olympics. My hand was still shaking and my hand never shaked while skating. The tension is different from going on to the ice. The media wrote about me doing an "Ina Bauer pitch" but that's impossible. Oh, and the Ina Bauer is dangerous so please don't do it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I like baseball. My high school (Tohoku High School) competed in the All Japan High School Baseball Championships and I went to cheer for them. It's fun. In my University days, I went to watch Waseda vs Keio, or Professional baseball at Jingu Stadium. I've always wanted to do the first pitch ever since I can remember. I thought my chance came when Rakuten Eagles came to Sendai. (seems it didn't happen) Anway Seibu Lions and Yomiuri Giants approached me. I'm a big fan of Seibu (Pacific League) and Yakult (Central League), so bye-bye Giants. Sorry about that. (Arakawa's sponsor is Prince Hotels - part of the Seibu company)

Usually the team I'm rooting for wins when I go watch live. It's my first time in Seibu Dome and unfortunately, they lost. If there's an opportunity, I'd like to talk with professional baseball players. I think baseball have things in common with figure skating, and also discover different things. I'm interested in how the players face themselves. I'd also like to meet Ichiro (Seatlle Mariners).

It was great to watch baseball live. When I watch it on TV, I'm like this middle-aged man, reading what the pitcher is going to throw and I complain towards the monitor "Where are you aiming??????" Now that I've experienced (pitching), I'm never going to complain again. It's so difficult. But I'd like to have one more chance. I'll train a lot and score a strike!"

Monday, Shizuka was honored with a Victory Parade in Sendai, where she grew up.