If not for an unexpected win at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in January, Aoki Yuna might not have been on ice at the 2026 Grand Prix de France in Angers on Friday (23 October), where she delivered a new personal best 76.31 to lead after the women’s short program.
The 24-year-old was understandably pleased, having added nearly five points to her previous personal high, a 71.41 scored en route to winning that Four Continents title.
The Japanese skater had never been to a major championships prior to that, and has only one Grand Prix podium to her name, a third place at the 2024 NHK Trophy. That looks set to change this weekend.
“Winning at the Four Continents did make me wonder should I continue or not,” Aoki said via an interpreter when asked if she’d considered leaving the sport, having not previously made her mark internationally.
I made up my mind to continue, obviously, so it became a source of confidence.
“I still watch the footage from the Four Continents a lot and I believe I’m here today because of the win there so I’m taking that as confidence for the free program tomorrow.”
Aoki’s score could have been even higher. Her opening triple Lutz-triple loop combination received a negative grade of execution from the judges, but she made up points elsewhere – thanks in part to a new rule this year that gives non-jumping elements like spins and step sequences higher technical base values.
“Today was a pretty good skating, except the Lutz was not good honestly,” Aoki reflected in English. “This season has new rules and the spins and steps score high, so I think [with] this score I did the best in the spin and step and I’m happy.”
And, she added, it is unexplored territory for her. “I was not at all thinking about placements coming here so I’m very surprised I’m first after the short,” she said, through the translator.
“I still don’t really know how to prepare for and what kind of mindset I should have for tomorrow (in the free skate) so I will go back and discuss that with my coaches and prepare for the free.”
