I lost a major competition by just 0.012 seconds, but that moment fundamentally changed how I view effort and growth. Sport stacking is not something I began by chance; it is a challenge I deliberately chose. Through daily practice, genuine enjoyment, and a clear long-term goal, it has become a central part of both my personal development and competitive journey.
I decided to take up sport stacking because I wanted a challenge where progress depended entirely on my own effort. When I began, almost no one around me practised it, and it felt unfamiliar and unconventional. That was precisely why I chose it. From the outset, I committed to practising every day, focusing solely on stacking and gradually refining my technique through repetition and small, incremental improvements. I learned early on that real progress comes not from sudden breakthroughs, but from showing up consistently, even when improvement feels almost invisible.
My training is built on consistency. Each day, I adjust my routines, analyse mistakes, and search for more efficient ways to reduce my time. This approach connects directly to another discipline in which I compete: Rubik’s Cube solving. I participate in competitions in both because they share the same appeal, measuring performance by time and experiencing the satisfaction of steadily improving it. More importantly, both have taught me how to remain calm under pressure and focus on the process rather than the outcome.
I practise because I want to, not because I have to. That mindset was tested at a recent competition in Malaysia, where I competed in the same division as multiple world champions. I narrowly lost by just 0.012 seconds to a former world champion and a Malaysian national representative. Rather than feeling discouraged, I felt motivated, as competing so closely with elite athletes showed me the level I am capable of reaching.
Competing at this standard has strengthened not only my technical skills but also my mental resilience. Achieving personal bests under pressure, both internationally and in Japan, has reinforced the value of self-chosen challenges and long-term commitment. Compared to when I first started, I now approach challenges with greater patience and confidence. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue progressing towards representing Japan, driven by passion, discipline, and a genuine love for the process.
Takaranosuke A.
Year 10 Student