Gold medalist Mao Shimada (JPN) in Junior Women’s Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China © ISU
Mao Shimada (JPN) was crowned ISU Junior Grand Prix Final Champion once again as the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final continued Friday in Beijing (CHN). The Final features the top six Skaters/Couples per discipline from the seven events of the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating series.
Mao Shimada (JPN) defends ISU Junior Grand Prix Final title
ISU World Junior Champion Mao Shimada of Japan came from second place to win her second consecutive ISU Junior Grand Prix Final gold medal. ISU World Junior silver medalist Jia Shin of Korea repeated as silver medalist. The bronze medal went to newcomer Rena Uezono, also from Japan.
Skating to “Benedictus”, Shimada hit a triple Axel and quad toe right out of the gate. The Japanese Junior Champion went on to reel off four more clean triple jumps and excellent spins. However, two jumps were a bit underrotated and she popped a loop. Shimada scored 138.06 points to win the Free Skating and overall with 206.33 points.
“I am happy to win this competition for the second time,” the 15-year-old shared. “In the Short program I made a mistake and so today I was very nervous for the Free skating. But before the competition I was able to get my nerves under control and performed well also with my jumps.”
Shin turned in an elegant performance to “Not About Angels” that included five clean triples and a level-four flying combination spin. The 15-year-old earned 131.67 points and accumulated 200.75 points to repeat as Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalist.
Jia Shin (KOR) in Junior Women’s Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China © ISU
“I'm not fully satisfied with my performance today. I was a bit nervous compared to yesterday. My leg was shaking, I could feel my leg losing strength,” Shin said.
“However, I am really happy to get myself together to put out a clean skate and win my second (silver) medal at the Junior Grand Prix Final.”
Uezono produced seven triple jumps and two-level four spins in her routine to “Pray” and “Mechanisms” to achieve a personal best of 128.59 points. Uezono totaled 196.46, another personal best, to take the bronze medal in her debut at the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final.
Rena Uezono (JPN) in Junior Women’s Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China © ISU
“I am happy with my Free program. I was nervous in both Short and Free program, but I still believed in myself and was able to perform well,” Uezono said.
Yuseong Kim (KOR) landed a triple Axel to pull up one spot to fourth at 190.48 points. ISU World Junior bronze medalist Ami Nakai (JPN) came fifth (187.04 points) followed by Minsol Kwon (KOR) on 183.06 points.
For full results, see here.
Schedule of the event
Friday, December 8: Junior Rhythm Dance, Pairs Free Skating, Junior Women’s Free Skating, Women’s Short Program & Rhythm Dance
Saturday, December 9: Junior Free Dance, Junior Pairs & Junior Men’s Free Skating, Free Dance, Women’s & Men’s Free Skating
Sunday, December 10: Exhibition Gala
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consisted of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy (JPN).
A total of 154 Skaters/Couples competed in the series: 46 Men, 43 Women, 29 Pairs and 36 Ice Dance couples.
The General Announcement of the 2023/24 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is available here. The individual announcements are published under the respective events. Full entry lists and further information are available on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series page.
ISU Grand Prix Standings
Where to Watch
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed on the official ISU YouTube Channel in most countries. Find out where to watch the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions.
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Selection Criteria
For a Skater/Couple to be eligible to compete at an ISU Grand Prix event, a minimum total score must have been achieved in the 2021/22 or current 2022/23 season in an ISU event (Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, Championships) or a Challenger Series event. Exceptions apply to host country Skaters, previously ranked Skaters or split ranked Couples who return with new partners. The minimum total score is 3/5 of highest score per discipline at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2022 and are as follows: Women: 141.65, Men: 187.49, Pairs: 132.65, Ice Dance: 137.89.
Following the IOC recommendation and in order to protect the integrity of ice skating competitions and for the safety of all the participants of international ice skating competitions, the ISU Council based on Article 17.1.q)i) of the ISU Constitution, agreed that with immediate effect and until further notice, no Skaters belonging to the ISU Members in Russia (Russian Skating Union and the Figure Skating Federation of Russia) and Belarus (Skating Union of Belarus) shall be invited or allowed to participate in International ice skating competitions including ISU Championships and other ISU Events. The same applies to Officials listed in the respective ISU Communications and/or Regulations under Russia and Belarus (see ISU Communication 2469).
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