Mao Shimada: “Even though I can’t compete in the upcoming Olympics, I want to push forward this season with performances that reflect who I am – bold and fearless.”
Mao Shimada unveils new programs ahead of her final junior season.
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. June 18th 2025
On June 18, the Kinoshita Academy held an open practice in Uji City, Kyoto, where three-time World Junior Champion Mao Shimada (16) shared her ambitions and new programs for the 2025–26 season. Here’s a translation of her comments.
With this being her final year in juniors, Shimada expressed her determination: “This is my last season in juniors. My goal is to enjoy myself above all else and to perform boldly, without hesitation, in a way that’s truly me.”
Although the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026 are just around the corner, Shimada will not be eligible for selection due to age restrictions. Nevertheless, she draws motivation from observing her senior counterparts: “Even through practice, you can feel the energy and emotion the senior skaters put into preparing for an Olympic season – it’s inspiring.”
During practice, Shimada successfully landed a quad toe loop, showing progress in her preparations. She acknowledged, however, that it has made her triple axel attempts more challenging: “Landing the quad changes things – my triple Axel has become more difficult. But with practice, I believe I can adjust and get more comfortable with it.”
Shimada, who finished second at last season’s Japanese Nationals, now has her sights set on winning the title: “If I could create a miracle at Nationals, I’d be so happy,” she said. Reflecting on what a “miracle” would mean for her, she added: “I think it would be winning. It’s not about aiming for victory alone, but about giving my all in practice and in the competition. If I can achieve a miracle after all that, it would be amazing.”
As part of her final junior season, Shimada announced her short program will feature jazz tracks “Get Happy/Sing, Sing, Sing.” During the open practice at the Kinoshita Academy Kyoto Ice Arena, Shimada expressed her excitement about the new program: “I’ve always wanted to skate to ‘Sing, Sing, Sing.’ With the suggestion of my choreographer, Kaitlyn Weaver, we combined it with ‘Get Happy’ to create a fresh performance. I just want to skate with as much joy as possible – not focusing on making every detail perfect, but letting my body move freely and naturally.”
Her free skate will feature “Miracle,” a piece composed by renowned musician YOSHIKI. Shimada’s enthusiasm for both programs highlights her commitment to attacking each performance with boldness and confidence: “Even though I can’t compete in the upcoming Olympics, I want to push forward this season with performances that reflect who I am – bold and fearless.”
As the competition season progresses, Shimada has set a clear goal for the Japanese Nationals at year-end: “If I end up talking about a miracle, then that would mean winning the title. Of course, I first need to put everything I’ve got into daily practice. If I can perform my best and a miracle happens, I would love to win.”
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