Wakaba Higuchi: “I was able to skate with peace of mind, and I think this will carry over to next week. I want to do what I can. If I can skate with the same feelings as today, in even better condition, I’ll be happy.”
Despite a right foot injury, Wakaba Higuchi delivered an emotional performance at her final NHK Trophy, finishing ninth and expressing determination to continue skating powerfully through the rest of her farewell season.
original source: Hochi News dd. 9th November, 2025
The day after the fourth event of the Figure Skating Grand Prix eries, the NHK Trophy, Wakaba Higuchi, who finished ninth in the women’s event, spoke to the press. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Hochi News.
Competing with a right foot injury, Higuchi struggled in the short program, where multiple jump mistakes left her in tenth place. In the free skate, performing to “Wonder Woman,” she scored 115.12 points and improved her ranking. “The jumps in the free felt just like usual, so I’m glad. I think this performance will carry over well to next week’s Skate America,” she reflected.
Higuchi, known for her powerful programs, chose “My Way” for her SP this season to match her decision to retire at the end of the season, showing a new side of herself. For the free skate, she returned to a dynamic program.
“This year, I went to a concert by Hans Zimmer, the composer, and I feel a special connection to his music. When I skate to it, I feel empowered. Listening to it gives me strength, and I skate while being helped by the music,” she said.
It was her first competition in about two months since the Challenger Series Kinoshita Trophy in September, and emotions ran high after the free program. “I was relieved. I was happy to have finished my program. I found both confidence and areas to work on, so it was a good start for next week’s Skate America,” she said.
Despite her right foot injury and a slow start in the SP, Higuchi fought back with a program themed on strong women. “If I can get through the free skate, I’ll be fired up for the SP,” she said, having practiced thoroughly.
She competed while taking painkillers, which hadn’t always been effective in the past, but said she felt no pain during either the SP or free skate this time. “My foot feels good. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I’m taking it positively. I was able to skate with peace of mind, and I think this will carry over to next week,” she said optimistically. Looking ahead to two consecutive weeks of Grand Prix events, she added, “I want to do what I can. If I can skate with the same feelings as today, in even better condition, I’ll be happy.”
Related topics: NHK Trophy, Wakaba Higuchi
Leave a Reply