ISU Four Continents Championships 2026: Chiba Mone follows hometown legend Hanyu to a first Olympic Winter Games
In an exciting lead-up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, Japan’s figure skating prodigy Chiba Mone prepares to make her Olympic debut after forging her path through a mixed season filled with ups and downs. The comparisons to Olympic legend Hanyu Yuzuru, who soared from Sendai just like her, linger heavily in her mind as she gears up for this milestone moment in her career.
“The more I compete abroad, the more I’m reminded of just how incredible of a competitor he was,” Chiba said in a recent interview, reflecting on the pressure of being from Hanyu’s hometown. Despite “a forgettable” Grand Prix Final showing, in which she tragically performed poorly, the 20-year-old demonstrated resilience to secure her Olympic spot after a strong showing at the Japan Nationals, clinching a bronze medal.
Chiba’s trajectory has been one of consistency, barely missing the podium in two major competitions, including the last Four Continents Championships. The Grand Prix Final, however, revealed the pressures on Chiba, with both mindset and expectation weighing her down. It became a pivotal point, reminding her of the need for self-belief and adaptation under scrutiny.
Throwing herself into the competitions, Chiba infuses her routine with heart and determination, channeling lessons from her predecessors. While she felt nervous at the national event, she delivered her programs without critical errors, thereby cementing her place among the Olympic squad alongside celebrated compatriots Sakamoto Kaori and upcoming talent Nakai Ami.
As she preps for the ISU Four Continents Championships, the anticipation builds. “I have to give it my 100 percent,” Chiba asserts. “This is my moment to embrace the challenge of the Olympics, to test where I stand in this competitive landscape.”
With the women’s singles event offering a highly competitive field, Chiba’s resolve mirrors that of her idol Hanyu. “I won’t know where I truly stand unless I go all in,” she emphasized, reflecting on her fire and focus. “This experience is a first for me. I intend to not only learn and gain insight but to hold my own as a vital part of Team Japan.”
Chiba stands on the brink of fulfilling a lifelong dream, preparing to face the world with unwavering determination and enthusiasm. The community watches, ready to rally behind their homegrown skating star as she takes the ice in Beijing and heads for Milano Cortina 2026.
