Mai Mihara: “The top priority is not to worsen my injuries. I want to spend these days practicing diligently, competing in each event, and making sure that I have no regrets by the end of the season.”
Mai Mihara celebrates new training facility and prepares for Milano-Cortina Olympic season.
original source: Nikkansports dd. June 20th 2025 by Matsumoto Wataru
Mai Mihara (25), a two-time Four Continents champion, expressed her joy at the completion of her new training base on June 20. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Mihara attended the opening ceremony for the “Sysmex Kobe Ice Campus,” a year-round ice rink in her hometown of Kobe. Alongside fellow skaters Kaori Sakamoto, Tatsuya Tsuboi, and Saki Miyake, Mihara performed in an exhibition showcasing the state-of-the-art facility.
“A year-round ice rink has always been a dream. When I first heard it was being built, I was so surprised. I’d pass by during construction, see the outer walls going up, and it felt like a dream. Now that I’ve had the chance to skate here, it’s like a big dream has come true,” Mihara said with emotion. “As the time I have left as a competitive skater becomes limited, I’m so grateful to have a rink where I can train as much as I want.”‘
Mihara’s journey toward the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics has not been without challenges. At the Japanese Nationals in December 2024, she withdrew from the free skate due to worsening issues with her right ankle and hip joint. Following that, she went through a period where she was unable to jump and had to begin her recovery with one-foot skating.
For the upcoming Olympic season, Mihara has chosen “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” for her short program and “Jupiter” for her free skate. As she focuses on her new season, Mihara remains cautious but determined:
“The top priority is not to worsen my injuries. I want to spend these days practicing diligently, competing in each event, and making sure that I have no regrets by the end of the season. I hope to finish this journey full of energy and keep moving forward until the very end.”
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