Mamoru Sekoma is a supporting character in the anime Medalist. He works as a receptionist at the Ōsu Skate Rink, a position he took after retiring from a regular job. In his youth, Sekoma played ice hockey; although he was an ordinary player, his strong sense of responsibility led to him being trusted with leadership roles. He is an older man with light grey hair and a gentle, warm demeanor. Sekoma is kind-hearted and quietly observant, with a deep, unassuming passion for figure skating that he channels into supporting others. His primary motivation is to nurture young talent he believes in, even if it means acting behind the scenes. Before the main story begins, Sekoma secretly taught the basics of skating to the protagonist, Inori Yuitsuka, when she was very young. He allowed her to practice at the rink in exchange for collecting worms to feed the birds he cared for, and he paid for her ice time out of his own pocket for several years. This early, covert coaching laid the foundation for Inori's later development as a skater. Sekoma plays a crucial role in the narrative as the quiet, essential figure who first recognized and encouraged Inori's potential. He rarely takes center stage, but his early support and financial sacrifice are immensely impactful. He attends Inori's competitions, often holding a banner with her name, and is known to become emotional while watching her perform. His key relationship is with Inori, whom he treats with the warmth of a grandfather figure and considers her his biggest fan. He also interacts with other skaters at the rink and is well-liked by children. While Sekoma does not undergo a dramatic personal transformation, his role evolves from secret benefactor to proud, visible supporter as Inori's competitive career advances under her official coach. His notable abilities include a strong foundational knowledge of figure skating, which he passed on to Inori, as well as a capacity for patient, understated mentorship and a knack for explaining skating techniques in accessible terms.