At the recent Japanese Championships, 16-year-old figure skater Mao Shimada achieved her personal best, finishing second with a total of 219.00 points. Competing at the Towa Pharmaceutical Ractab Dome in Kadoma, Osaka, Shimada was pleased with her performance among elite athletes.
Her noteworthy performance saw her rise as the first junior champion to claim such respect among senior competitors, showcasing her growth as she eyes greater successes. Although her start was rocky—failing to land her opening Triple Axel due to inadequate rotation and falling on her quadruple toe loop—Shimada bounced back admirably, completing her routine without grave errors.
"Being able to become second at the Japanese Championships, where wonderful athletes gather, makes me happy. I had the failure of the quadruple jump, but I was able to skate without dragging on the mistakes and I overcame myself, which is what makes me most happy," Shimada stated following her free skate program.
This championship marked yet another milestone for Shimada, who, throughout her junior career, has transitioned onto the senior stage with great potential. Her competitive determination is palpable, particularly after she finished as the highest-ranking junior athlete and set her eyes on future ambitions.
Drawing inspiration from her experience, Shimada expressed intentions for the next season: "Since I came second, I have the thought of wanting to try to win next year. If I want to move up one more rank, there is no choice but to win." This reflects her tenacity and competitive spirit as she aims not only to compete but also to conquer.
The event was highlighted by the impressive performance of Kaori Sakamoto, who achieved her fourth consecutive championship title and expressed her joy at her continued success. With scores elevated to 228.68 points, Sakamoto stood tall and proud, asserting her dominance over the competition.
Shimada acknowledged the gap between levels of the sport, noting, "Over the three days of practice and competition alongside senior competitors, I really felt the difference in skating. I need to jump higher to stand at the top among senior skaters." This candid self-analysis indicates her awareness of the challenges she faces on her path to greatness.
This championship, celebrated not only for the skills on ice but also for the spirit of perseverance, has become another stepping stone for aspiring talents like Shimada. "This competition is merely a transit point," she remarked, setting her aspirations high for upcoming seasons.
Every skater here, from juniors to seasoned professionals, offers their unique story—a narrative woven with ambition, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. For Shimada, this narrative is just beginning, and her climb up the ranks promises more thrilling performances to come.
With the competitive figure skating season well underway, Shimada’s performance serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere, showing resilience and the fighting spirit needed to thrive under pressure. Her story continues to resonate, providing valuable lessons on perseverance and the pursuit of dreams.
