Mao Shimada: “Triple axel and quads are still inconsistent depending on the ice rink; it’s an all-or-nothing effort at the moment. I hope to gain more stability.”
Mao Shimada sets her sights on Junior Grand Prix Final victory in Nagoya.
original source: Nikkansports dd. June 1st 2025 by Daisuke Fujitsuka
Mao Shimada (16), who made history as the first female figure skater to achieve three consecutive victories at the World Junior Championships, attended the opening ceremony of IG Arena in Nagoya on May 31. Looking ahead, she expressed her determination to compete at the Junior Grand Prix (GP) Final, which will be held at the same venue in December. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Entering her final year as a junior skater next season, Shimada has her sights set on securing remarkable titles, including a fifth consecutive victory at the Japanese Junior Nationals and a fourth consecutive title at the World Junior Championships. Additionally, she could achieve a fourth consecutive Junior GP Final title.
“It’s my last season in juniors, so I expect to feel nervous, but I’ll focus on winning my two Junior GP series events first so that I can perform in this venue.”
Speaking about triple axel and the quadruple toe loop, Shimada remains focused on improving. “Executing the axel and quads is still inconsistent depending on the ice rink; it’s an all-or-nothing effort at the moment. I hope to gain more stability,” she said.
Next season, Shimada will skate her free program to “Miracle” by musician YOSHIKI. Reflecting on her aspirations for the upcoming season, she remarked, “I might feel nervous when it’s time to perform, but I want to develop my expressiveness to the point where even someone seated in the farthest corner of the arena can clearly understand the movements I’m making.”
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