In an exclusive interview, Wilson discussed Rika Kihira's recovery from an ankle injury, saying she's made solid progress with competition and physical rehab.
The 22-year-old world champion, who won her previous national titles in 2018 and 2021, lands six clean triples and triumphs by more than 13 points.
Opening with a strong double axel, Kaori Sakamoto delighted the crowd with a near-flawless performance to "Rock With U" in her short program.
Positioned in second place after the short program, Mai Mihara displayed veteran poise in her free skate to "El Amor Brujo" to secure the victory.
With exceptional performances in the Junior Grand Prix campaign and a stellar start to the senior events, Japanese figure skating is enjoying a banner season.
Japanese figure skaters capture three gold medals in Ontario, including Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara's historic title in the pairs competition.
Kihira has now qualified for December’s Japan Championships. Elsewhere, the ISU is juggling venues and Russia’s Valieva is back on the ice in a new program.
Yuzuru Hanyu and Shoma Uno both wore her costumes at the Pyeongchang Olympics, a reminder of Ito’s gravitas in her chosen field.
Without Yuzuru Hanyu, Nathan Chen and suspended Russian skaters, the 2022-23 Grand Prix season will have a different vibe.
Twenty years after leaving the Salt Lake City Games without a single figure skating medal, Japan captured half of the singles medals in Beijing through Yuma...
“The Olympics are not a recital,” Hanyu said. “It's a place you must win. For that reason, I'll be strongly determined.”
The top-tier skaters are well known, but exciting quests are right behind as young athletes aim to earn their own spots on the national team.
