Mone Chiba achieved a score of 74.00 points, placing 4th in the women's single short program at the Winter Olympics, overcoming significant pressure during her Olympic debut.
At the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Mone Chiba marked an impressive score of 74.00 in the women's short program, placing her in a competitive position for the podium. Despite facing the overwhelming pressure of her Olympic debut, Chiba navigated the challenges adeptly, including a strong double axel and a level 4 spin rating, though she encountered minor deductions on her opening triple jump combination due to 'slight rotation under.' Still, her performance garnered the second highest score for program components behind compatriot Sakamoto, highlighting her technical prowess and program execution.
Leading up to her performance, Chiba expressed concerns about the pressure she felt as the last skater to compete in her event. The overwhelming support from the crowd during the warm-up nearly became too much, causing her to sense that she might be 'crushed by the wave of tension.' However, she managed to refocus and calm her nerves by reflecting on the uniqueness of her Olympic experience and deciding to enjoy the process, rather than succumbing to pressure. This mindset proved to be a significant turning point for her, allowing her to perform with confidence.
Chiba's 4th place finish puts her just 2.59 points away from the podium, and having witnessed significant score changes in both men's singles and pairs events, she remains optimistic about her chances in the free skate. With a determined spirit, she aims to take her performance as far as possible, motivated by the prospect of making her mark at these Olympics and continuing to challenge herself in the competitions ahead.
