Mao Asada is the champion of Japan for the fifth time. Still reeling from the death of her mother a few short weeks ago, Mao has reclaimed the Japanese National skating title and demonstrated why she is one of skating’s brightest stars. The 21 year old pulled out of the ISU Grand Prix Finals in Quebec in early December, the moment she found out her
Feb. 16, 2008 – The 2008 Four Continents Championships figure skating competition in Goyang City, South Korea concluded Saturday and Mao Asada of Japan won both the short and long programs for the gold medal with 193.25 points. Asada hit a beautiful triple Axel in the first seconds of her program to “Fantaisie Impromptu” by Frederic Chopin. Once she had that key element under her
TORINO, ITALY, Dec. 15, 2007 – Yu-Na Kim won the ladies competition by five points, although she was only second in the free program. She had high scoring elements and easy-looking jumps with an elegant landing phase, which are deliciously placed between her exquisite choreography and transition moves. She flowed and flew over the ice like a feather. Her first element in the long program
MOSCOW, Russia – Nov. 25, 2007 – Yu-Na Kim didn’t face much opposition when 2007 continued with the Cup of Russia in Moscow, Russia, Nov. 23-25, at the Khondynka Ice Palace. The Korean won with an almost perfect performance that featured a beautiful triple flip-triple toe and five more triples. She also performed excellent spins. Kim even set a new record with 133.70 points in
Who are the ladies who have actually landed a triple axel in competition? Many have tried, few have been successful. Midori Ito, Tonya Harding, Kimmie Meisner, and Mao Asada jump to mind. Also Ludmila Nelidina (RUS) and Yukari Nakano (JPN) both at 2002 Skate America. Skating greats like Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen, Tara Lipinski and others have attempted the triple axel in practice but none
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