Mao Shimada comes from behind, Ami Nakai 4th, Yuna Aoki 7th - Kinoshita Cup Figures

Triple axel (three and a half jumps) and quadruple toe loop. These two highly difficult jumps have supported Shimada's performance since he was a junior. First international senior tournament. While the entire audience watched with bated breath, both of them made perfect decisions. Shimada, who doesn't have many emotional ups and downs, threw up his hands after the performance and let out a rare burst of joy.

Mao Shimada comes from behind, Ami Nakai 4th, Yuna Aoki 7th - Kinoshita Cup Figures

He completed his first quadruple toe loop when he was 12 years old. However, the success rate in the tournament was not high. "There were times when I wanted to quit, but I stuck with it and worked hard, so I don't want to give up." He continued to challenge with strong will.

This season, the Russian team made their senior debut and returned after being excluded from international competitions. His presence was a source of motivation. "Before, there were no athletes who could jump, so quadruples were a bonus. When the Russian athletes came, I started thinking that I absolutely had to jump, and my condition improved."

Russian Ignatova (née Trusova), who finished second, landed a quadruple Lutz. It is also a jump that Shimada is aiming to master. "I want to be able to jump. I feel like I can do it, so I want to practice." It seems that he has found a new goal.