[ICE TIME] Sena Takahashi Shines in Sensational JGP Debut

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It is not often that a skater overshadows two-time world junior champion Mao Shimada. But that is exactly what happened at the Junior Grand Prix in Latvia (August 29-31), where Sena Takahashi stole the show in his international debut.

The 14-year-old Takahashi, a native of Kanagawa Prefecture, skated two clean programs to win the men's title on Saturday, August 31 at the JGP Riga Cup in his first competition ever outside Japan. The young skater topped the podium with a total score of 229.66 points for a decisive victory over South Korea's Jaekeun Lee, who was second with 220.66.

Takahashi's training partner Shunsuke Nakamura finished third at 212.73 to give Japan half of the singles medals at the first JGP event of the season.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old Shimada coasted to a triumph in the women's battle with 204.86 on Friday, August 30, winning by more than 22 points over Estonia's Elina Goidina, who was second on 182.23. South Korea's Nayeon Ko took third at 176.86.

Shimada extended her incredible unbeaten streak in events as a junior to 12 over the past three seasons. The young star came out on top despite not landing her triple axel or quadruple toe loop in her free skate.

Shimada's fellow Kinoshita Academy skater Ikura Kushida was fifth with 166.01.

Two Super Skates for Sena Takahashi

Takahashi took a more than five-point lead into Saturday's free skate and came away with the gold after his strong performance to "The Four Seasons."

"I did not expect I could win this title, so I'm very happy," Takahashi stated in the winner's interview. "Very thankful for the very great environment I have [at Kinoshita Academy]. So I skate with gratitude. I just want to be myself and do the best I can."

Takahashi landed all eight of his triple jumps and recorded level fours on all of his spins in an impressive outing that moved ISU YouTube announcer Ted Barton.

"This young man is a real fierce competitor," Barton commented. "He has not the best technique in the air. It's still a little broken in the knees. That's a little critical. It's still brilliant what he does."

'Room for Improvement'

Added Barton, "Let's set the standard right ― he's got room for improvement in those things. He knows what he wants to project and carries the speed and flow just amazing across the ice, always accelerating."

Barton noted that even when Takahashi looked off-balance during jumps, he was still able to save them.

"He still makes them work so well even if they are a little off kilter in the air," Barton remarked.

Barton's broadcast partner Mark Hanretty liked what he saw from Takahashi as well.

"Sena Takahashi seemed to be going out very conscientiously throughout the program," Hanretty said. "He was so expressive in the short program ('The Greatest Showman'). We didn't get to see a glimpse of expression as innately until the landing of that triple salchow/triple toe loop (in the free skate). But it was a smart move as he absolutely delivered."

Added Hanretty, "He was the only skater to skate cleanly in the free skate of the 27 men."

Continuing reading the full story on SportsLook.

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Author: Jack Gallagher

The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.