A Family Pact Complete
By Kristen Henneman
After Goku Endo’s grandfather was diagnosed with leukemia, the two made a heartfelt pact. His grandfather would battle for his health, while Goku would push forward in his figure skating career, dreaming of the day he could compete in Japan—his grandparents’ home country—to see him skate at an event live for the first time. That dream finally became a reality this September when Endo participated in the Challenger Series event in Japan.
Set against a backdrop of urgency and emotion, Goku’s journey reflects not only his tenacity but the deep bond he shares with his family. “I never thought they would come this far to see me,” Endo reflects, explaining that his grandfather’s health prognosis had been deteriorating. Upon hearing details of the newly announced Kinoshita Group Cup, Goku felt hope surge as he considered his family’s potential attendance.
“There’s a chance, there’s a chance,” Goku texted his family, ultimately leading to an ecstatic response as his coach informed him he had been selected to compete. The joy felt surreal—a fusion of disbelief and elation washed over him as plans were soon underfoot for travel amidst the looming competition.
Despite significant challenges, including flight delays due to stormy weather, Endo’s grandfather displayed remarkable willpower, taking a bullet train to see his grandson perform. “I’ve never seen him so excited,” Endo revealed. And when the day arrived, the weight of his family’s expectations mixed with his desires created a poignant moment ripe for a life-changing performance.
Though Goku considered his initial short program “shaky,” advice from his grandmother propelled him into the free skate, where he dazzled with one of his best performances. “You could feel the energy from my cheering section,” he explained, grasping the significance of that moment—for them both.
After competing, Goku and his family rejoiced, filled with pride and disbelief at the achievement: the grandpa who once feared he might miss out now witnessed a pivotal moment in his grandson’s life. It strengthened their bond, capturing the essence of resilience, determination, and love.
In retrospect, that encounter in Osaka transcended sports—it embodied the very spirit of family. “That week allowed me to appreciate everyone around me, showing that life is about the connection,” Endo stated. With passion igniting his ambitions and support grounding him, Goku Endo completed a pact that was as profound as the performance he gave, marking a powerful chapter in the legacy of competitive figure skating.
