Wakaba Higuchi

Wakaba Higuchi is an Olympic silver medalist and World silver medalist in figure skating with a career spanning over a decade. After establishing herself as a formidable talent in the junior ranks, earning a silver medal at the JGP in Ostrava and a gold medal in Dresden during the 2014–2015 season, Wakaba Higuchi went on to qualify for the Junior Grand Prix Final, where she secured a bronze medal. The same season saw her claim her first Japanese national junior title in 2014 and earn a bronze medal at her senior national debut at the Japan Championships. Higuchi continued her ascent, securing a second consecutive World Junior bronze medal in 2016, followed by a successful senior international debut in the 2016–2017 season with a gold medal at the CS Lombardia Trophy and a bronze at the 2016 Trophée de France.

Higuchi’s career continued to gain momentum in the 2017–2018 season, highlighted by earning a silver medal at the World Championships in Milan and qualifying for her first senior Grand Prix Final. Despite an injury-affected 2018–2019 season, she mounted a resilient comeback, achieving a silver medal at the 2019–2020 Japan Championships. Demonstrating her technical prowess, Higuchi notably attempted her first triple Axel in competition at the 2020 Four Continents Championships, underscoring her commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport. The 2021–2022 season marked a significant career highlight with her participation in the Beijing Winter Olympics, where Higuchi earned a coveted silver medal in the team event.

Higuchi also earned a bronze medal at the Japan Championships in 2025, continuing to deliver top-tier results. She has announced her plan to retire from competitive skating at the end of the 2025–2026 season, marking the culmination of a decorated and influential career.