Mao Shimada: “There were tough times on the way here, so I’m really happy I was able to finish my free skate and win. I think this will be my last junior competition.”
Mao Shimada made history by winning her fourth consecutive title at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships.
original source: Hochi News dd. 7th March 2026
Mao Shimada, who led after the short program, scored 137.01 points in the free skate for a total of 208.91 points to win the title. Shimada achieved the unprecedented feat of winning four consecutive titles at the World Junior Championships across all disciplines. Here’s a translation of her comments.
With tears of joy, she said, “There were tough times on the way here, so I’m really happy I was able to finish my free skate and win.”
Shimada opened her program with a brilliant triple axel, followed by a triple flip, a triple lutz–toe loop combination, and more, successfully landing all seven jumps in a commanding performance. “This time, it was physically tough, but hearing the voices of the audience gave me the strength to keep going until the end,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the fans.
Shimada, who placed third at last season’s Japanese Nationals, was unable to compete at the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February due to age restrictions. She was inspired by her peer Ami Nakai, who won bronze in her Olympic debut, saying, “It was amazing to see her enjoy herself and come home with a bronze medal.”
“I think this will be my last junior competition, but I’d be happy if you continue to support me as I move up to the senior level,” she said.
Related topics: Mao Shimada, World Junior Championships
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