Mai Mihara: “This is the time to make use of everything I’ve experienced so far. Mai Mihara isn’t someone who crumbles and ends here.”
Mai Mihara impresses with resilient Comeback to figure skating
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. September 12th, 2025 by Maki Tomihari
Mai Mihara (26) made a triumphant return to competition after injuries and health challenges, finishing third at the Summer Cup and aiming to build momentum as she prepares for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Mai Mihara marked her return to figure skating with a strong performance at the Summer Cup held in Shiga this past August, her first competition in 234 days since Nationals in December last year. Surprised by her podium finish in third place during her comeback event, Mihara remarked, “I’m usually fourth in situations like this,” her eyes wide in disbelief.
For the 2025–26 season, Mihara has chosen to perform to two programs she has skated to before: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence for the short program and Jupiter for the free skate. After completing her free skate, Mihara lay face-down on the ice, overwhelmed with joy, as the audience rose in a standing ovation to celebrate her effort. Filled with disbelief, she said, “I wondered to myself if this might be a dream.”
Mihara has built an impressive international career, highlighted by her win at the 2022 Grand Prix Final. However, her journey has not been without significant setbacks. In 2019, she took an extended break due to health issues, and last season she struggled with injuries to her right ankle and hip. Reflecting on those dark times, Mihara shared, “When I was feeling down, I just couldn’t think about anything. I spent a lot of time in a state of nothingness, with my vision completely dark.” Her resilience and determination to rise again have deeply inspired her fans.
As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics approach in 2026, Mihara is optimistic about the upcoming season. “This is the time to make use of everything I’ve experienced so far. I’m living life positively now,” she said with a bright expression. “Mai Mihara isn’t someone who crumbles and ends here. I want to keep going until I can no longer move forward, without deciding when the end will be.” Standing on the ice again, her eyes were filled with renewed hope.
Mihara’s next scheduled competition is the Kinki Regionals, set to take place in Kyoto from October 2 to 5.
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