Shimada Mao chasing history with a smile at ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2026
The curtain will soon fall on Shimada Mao’s historic junior figure skating career, and the 17-year-old is already excited about the future. From 3-8 March, the Japanese star will compete in the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia, marking her fourth and final outing on the early-career circuit.
It promises to be a closely watched farewell as Shimada – already the most decorated junior figure skater of all time – chases an unprecedented fourth world women’s singles crown. “I just want to have as much fun as I can while I’m there,” the skater told reporters at her training rink in Kyoto about the prospect of writing even more history. “I hope to have a big smile on my face at the end of both the short and free.”
Shimada expressed her eagerness to transition to senior competition. “I can’t get to the seniors soon enough. I want to compete at the worlds there as well, so I hope to finish strong here.” It’s not just results that are driving Shimada’s ambition to advance; inspiration comes from the recent Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where Japan captured six figure skating medals.
Among these achievements was the celebrated gold by world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi, who set career-best scores in their quest for Olympic glory. “I was so moved by (Miura/Kihara’s) gold medal. It made me want to compete at the Olympics even more. I want to be in the team event as well,” Shimada said, paying tribute to her compatriots’ victory.
Also on her mind is fellow teen and Olympic bronze medallist Nakai Ami, whose recent success has ignited Shimada’s own ambitions. Despite being just six months younger than Nakai, Shimada has never lost to her compatriot, further motivating her as she looks toward the future.
For Shimada, the goal becomes more tangible each day: “For me, it used to just be a dream. But now it’s become a competition to actually aim for.” As she prepares for her final junior competition, Shimada Mao is poised not only to leave her mark in Tallinn but also to embark on her journey toward Olympic excellence.
