Shimada Mao, the 16-year-old figure skating sensation from Japan, made history on March 1, 2025, at the ISU World Junior Figure Sk Championships held in Debrecen, Hungary, by achieving the unprecedented feat of winning three consecutive titles. This monumental victory signifies not only her personal success but also marks the first time any athlete, male or female, has secured three consecutive championships at this prestigious event.
During the competition, Shimada demonstrated her exceptional talent by executing two high-difficulty jumps: the triple axel and the quadruple toe loop. Her remarkable performance led her to score 156.16 points during the free skate, accumulating a total score of 230.84 points—setting her as the standout champion for this year’s tournament. This total score ranks her second globally across all categories this season, just behind her compatriot Kaori Sakamoto, cementing Shimada's position as one of the leading figures in junior figure skating.
The final day of the championships saw Shimada take the ice last, performing to her free skate program "Mado Kara Mieru." She began her routine with the impressive triple axel, which received high marks for its technical merit with +2.17 points for its great execution. Following this, she successfully landed the quad toe loop, which garnered +1.90 points, underscoring her ability to perform complex maneuvers without any deductions—an achievement only accomplished by her at this level.
Shimada’s combination of skills didn’t stop there. She continued her momentum by landing several other jumps with solid execution and received the highest marks on all spinning elements, achieving level 4 for every spin. Her free skate earned its way to the season’s highest score, pushing her to victory by over 40 points, downing her nearest competitor.
Despite the win, the talented athlete faced challenges. A notable element of her performance is the recent restriction preventing her from qualifying for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics due to age regulations. Born on October 2, 2008, Shimada will not turn 17 until after the qualification deadline on July 1, 2025, placing her Olympic aspirations on hold, even as she dominates the junior ranks.
Other performances during the championships were noteworthy, with fellow Japanese skater Nakai Ami finishing fourth with 185.99 points and new competitor Wada Kaori taking eighth with 181.65 points. The podium was rounded out by Shinya Jiya from South Korea with 190.53 points and Gracie Ellis-Lyn from the United States claiming third with 188.71 points.
Following the competition, Shimada shared her thoughts of disbelief during the awards ceremony, where she briefly appeared surprised by the announcement of her final score but soon blossomed with joy at receiving her gold medal. The emotional moment concluded with the playing of Japan's national anthem, with Shimada proudly smiling at the crowd of fans who gathered to celebrate her victory. For her, this moment was not just about the medal but the realization of her hard work, determination, and the support of those around her.
The historical milestone set by Shimada has not only elevated her status within the sport but also inspired many young athletes aspiring to follow her path. Many see her as the next face of women's figure skating, striving to bridge the gap as she moves toward senior competitions.
Shimada’s extraordinary accomplishments throughout the event and her consistent performance record indicate her potential is only set to rise, keeping fans and followers excited about her future endeavors.
With her recent win, she has extended her consecutive victories to 28, shaping her storyline as she becomes one of the most formidable competitors of her generation. With dreams of Olympic glory still on her horizon, the future for this young prodigy looks bright and poised for even more captivating performances.