“Not making mistakes isn’t what defines me; it’s taking bold jumps that shows who I am.” Mao Shimada wins her fourth consecutive Junior Grand Prix Final
Mao Shimada wins her fourth consecutive Junior Grand Prix Final
original source: Nikkansports 5th. Decembr 2025
Mao Shimada (17) wins her fourth consecutive Junior Grand Prix Final, making history and extending her undefeated record in junior competition. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
Shimada expressed her joy, saying, “I’m filled with happiness to have won on such a big stage.” Reflecting on her journey, she added, “It hasn’t always been good, but I think my strength is that I never give up and keep skating even when things aren’t going well.”
In late November, Shimada set a new record with her fifth consecutive victory at the Japanese Junior Championships. Due to age restrictions, she cannot compete at the Milano-Cortina Olympics next February, but she is scheduled to participate in the Japanese Championships (December, Tokyo), which serve as Olympic selection, as well as the World Junior Championships, where she will aim for a fourth straight title.
After her SP performance, Shimada commented, “Not making mistakes isn’t what defines me; it’s taking bold jumps that shows who I am.” In the past, she struggled with the pressure of “not being allowed to fail,” and at the previous event, she made mistakes on three jumps in the free skate, including both the triple axel and quadruple toe loop. Even after her third consecutive win, she felt “complicated emotions” and couldn’t fully celebrate, but now things are different. “I want to keep challenging myself boldly without forgetting who I am.” She has also found support in a book that says, “Ninety percent of worries never happen,” and has grown both mentally and physically.
Related topics: junior grand prix, Mao Shimada
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