World medallists Chiba Mone, Isabeau Levito 1-2 in women’s short program at Skate Canada
The excitement of figure skating reached new heights at Skate Canada in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as Chiba Mone emerged triumphant after a nail-biting women’s short program on the night of October 31, 2025. The 20-year-old star, who secured a bronze medal at the World Championships, scored an impressive 72.29, barely edging out her American rival, the 2024 world silver medallist Isabeau Levito, who earned 71.80 points.
The competition was intense, featuring Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann in third place with 68.11 points. Drawing on her competitive spirit, Chiba expressed her pre-performance jitters after taking her first skate of the night: “I was so nervous that I can still feel it,” she stated. Remarkably, she managed to conceal her nerves, refocusing her energy toward delivering an enjoyable performance.
Although it’s her first time on the Grand Prix Series this season, both Chiba and Levito showcased remarkable preparations. Levito shared her journey recently, emphasizing the importance of remaining grounded: “I was trying to do everything one thing at a time,” she revealed. The night wasn’t without challenges, as teammate Nakai Ami fought through a tough fall, landing fourth with 66.55 points.
Nakai, who recently made headlines at the Grand Prix de France, continues striving for excellence alongside her seasoned colleagues. Although two-time U.S. champion Bradie Tennell secured fifth place with a score of 65.55, there were many eyes set on the upcoming free program. With the stakes high, Chiba callously noted, “Nothing is finished,” illustrating her intention to leave everything on the ice as the competition unfolds.
Chiba’s performance featured a lively rendition of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” starting strong with a triple flip-triple toe combination. Although maintaining level four ratings on her spins, she acknowledged an entry error on her triple Lutz. “I want to skate in a more mature and polished way than last year,” she said reviewing her routines.
As athletes eye a place on Team USA for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, there’s no shortage of talent and aspiration. For Levito, it’s about managing the pressure, sharing that her future lies in her own hands. “I’m focused on maintaining a stress-free mindset,” she concluded.
Fans eagerly await the free program, as these talented competitors continue their quests for perfection on the ice!
