Junior Worlds Recap and Post-Olympics Skating News

We recap a record-breaking, history-making Junior World Figure Skating Championships 2026 competition in Estonia, featuring big wins from Rio Nakata, Mao Shimada, and Aboian & Veselukhin.

March 10, 2026

Junior Worlds Recap & Post-Olympics Skating News | Mao Shimada & Rio Nakata Make History!

We’re still in the afterglow of the Olympics, but one of the final major ISU events of the season just went down in Estonia. The 2026 World Junior Figure Skating Championships featured a record breaking short program from Rio Nakata, and an incredible 4th consecutive win from Mao Shimada.

While Japan took the top spots in the men’s and women’s event, the rest of those podiums were no less impressive. Korea’s Minkyu Seo delivered two gorgeous programs, even though his total score lagged almost 25 points behind Nakata. Australia’s new superstar Hana Bath gave stunner skates on her way to a Silver.

American ice dancers Hana Maria Aboian and Danniil Veselukhin edged out terrific French and Ukrainian teams for Gold. With huge charisma and sharp skills, this young US team could be dominant in Juniors for several years to come.

Canada took the top two spots in Pairs, with the win going to Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov. But the big surprise for us was the Bronze finish of terrific new Ukrainian team Hannah Herrera and Ivan Khobta.

(Also, how many Hana’s and Hannah’s were in this competition?!?)

After we wrap the Juniors, we catch up on other skating news — primarily who’s in, or out, of the upcoming senior Worlds competition.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:28 Junior Women’s Competition
19:06 Junior Ice Dance Competition
25:09 Junior Men’s Competition
37:47 Junior Pairs Competition
46:26 Gold in our Hearts
47:52 Other Skating News
58:36 Wrap-Up

Scoreography Podcast

Scoreography is a show about the art, athleticism, culture, and entertainment of Figure Skating. We discuss current competitions, the sports history and legacy, up-and-coming skaters and absolute legends, and the action outside of the rink.

Whether you’re new to the sport’s fandom, a once-in-awhile watcher, or a seasoned skating veteran, you’ll find something to enjoy in our program.

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