Wakaba Higuchi Reflects On Growth After World Championships

Wakaba Higuchi, a figure skater representing Noevir, spoke to the media on March 29, 2025, the day after her sixth-place finish in the women's free program at the Figure Skating World Championships held in Boston, USA. Higuchi scored 132.48 points in the free skate, bringing her total to 204.58 points. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed a mix of emotions surrounding her skating and her future.

"It will be over in about 9 months..." Higuchi remarked, hinting at her upcoming retirement. She acknowledged the achievement of securing the maximum of three spots for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, stating, "That was one positive takeaway from this competition." However, she also mentioned some mistakes during her performance that lingered in her mind. "I did some things I usually don’t do, and that keeps swirling in my head," she added.

When asked about her feelings of joy versus disappointment regarding her performance, Higuchi reflected, "I really gave it my all in my performance, but while the Olympic spots are about me, my performance is a different story. I feel a bit out of it right now," she said with a laugh.

This season has been a significant one for Higuchi. Starting with her first Grand Prix series victory, she also competed in the Grand Prix Final and stood on the podium at the All-Japan Championships, leading to her participation in the World Championships. "It has been a year filled with experiences I’ve never had before. I had been doing triple axels up until the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but I approached this season without that. I believe I have grown tremendously mentally," she said.

Higuchi continued, "I managed to perform stably in every competition without major crashes, which feels like a breakthrough and something that connects to the next stage." She attributed her growth to her ability to accept influences from outside herself without being overly affected by her own preconceptions.

Meanwhile, the World Championships have seen significant performances from other competitors as well. Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara's efforts were pivotal in securing Olympic spots for Japan. Yuma Kagiyama, despite feeling complex emotions about his performance, secured a podium finish, while Kao Miura also contributed significantly to Japan's success.

In the men's competition, Yuma Kagiyama finished in 10th place, expressing disappointment with his performance. He stated, "I feel sorry for my performance; I really wanted to do better, especially with the Olympic spots on the line." His teammate, Shoma Uno, also had a noteworthy performance, contributing to Japan's strong showing.

The atmosphere at the championships was electric, with fans from around the world cheering for their favorite skaters. The event not only showcased the talent of the athletes but also highlighted the intense competition leading up to the Winter Olympics.

Higuchi's sixth-place finish, although disappointing for her personally, adds to a year of growth and achievement. As she looks toward her future, she carries with her the lessons learned and the experiences gained throughout this challenging yet rewarding season.

As the Figure Skating World Championships conclude, the focus now shifts to the preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Athletes like Higuchi are set to continue their journeys, aiming for excellence on the world stage. The excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympic Games is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the performances of their favorite skaters, who will be fighting for their dreams in Milan-Cortina.

With the Olympic spots secured and a year of hard work behind them, the Japanese figure skating team is poised for success. Each athlete, including Higuchi, is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, motivated by the dream of Olympic glory. The world will be watching as these talented skaters take the ice once again, showcasing their skills and determination in pursuit of their goals.

As the dust settles on this year's championships, the legacy of the performances will linger, inspiring the next generation of skaters to strive for greatness. For Wakaba Higuchi, the journey is far from over; it is merely a stepping stone toward her ultimate aspirations.