Japan’s Mao Shimada won the women’s event at Skate Canada with a total of 235.44 points, capturing gold in her senior Grand Prix debut. The victory marks an undefeated start to her senior international career following a run of four world junior titles.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Olympic Futures: Shimada is viewed as a favorite for the 2030 Winter Games.
- Grand Prix Standings: Shimada is on a trajectory toward qualifying for the season-ending Grand Prix Final.
Dominating the Ice
Shimada outpaced the international field by finishing 14.37 points ahead of Estonia’s Niina Petrokina, who secured her best Grand Prix finish with silver. Shimada executed a triple Axel in both her short and free programs alongside an under-rotated quadruple toe loop in the free skate. Her total score of 235.44 points beat her own previous score as the world’s best this season.
Mao SHIMADA Free Program ISU Grand Prix Skate Canada 01.11.2026https://t.co/uFgknWx8BI
The victory extends a competitive trajectory. Because the senior age minimum was raised between the 2022 and 2026 Olympics, Shimada was four months too young for the Milan Cortina Games. Instead, she spent additional years on the junior level before stepping up to face senior competitors.
| Skater | Nation | Total Score | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mao Shimada | Japan | 235.44 | Gold |
| Niina Petrokina | Estonia | Silver | |
| Isabeau Levito | United States | Bronze |
Levito Battles Back From Offseason Injury
American contender Isabeau Levito claimed the bronze medal after dropping from second place following the short program. Levito placed two hands on the ice during a late jump combination and subsequently singled a planned triple Lutz in her free skate. The performance marked her first major test of the season after an injury kept her from doing jumps until August.
Levito now prepares to travel to Grand Prix Finland in three weeks. With fellow American skater Alysa Liu sitting out the current season and Amber Glenn on “Dancing with the Stars,” Levito is the top U.S. woman competing for now.
Looking Ahead to Grand Prix Finland
The international figure skating calendar moves forward. Shimada will make her next appearance in three weeks at Grand Prix Finland. Meanwhile, competitors like Levito likely need another podium finish to be in contention to make the six-skater Grand Prix Final in December.
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