On a crisp morning last week Mao Asada tore off triple jumps one after another during a practice at the Shin-Yokohama Skate Center. It looked like business as usual for the two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist.
As most already know, this season has been anything but normal for the nation's top female athlete.
A coaching change in the offseason, practicing at a different venue, and sharing ice time with other skaters, are just a few of the adjustments Mao has had to deal with. Not to mention trying to stay motivated after last season's titanic showdown with Kim Yu Na at the Vancouver Games.