Mao Asada was born on September 25, 1990 in Nagoya, Japan. She started skating in 1995 and currently trains with Tatiana Tarasova and Shanetta Folle. Originally a ballet dancer, Mao switched to figure skating in 1995. Asada started competing internationally in 2004 on the ISU Junior Grand Prix Circuit. She won both of her events and proceeded to win the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final that season. However, she was not sent to the 2005 World Championships as she was not yet of eligible age. She won the 2005 Junior World Championships with 20.31 over the silver medalist Yuna Kim. After winning all her events on the Junior circuit, Mao decided to move up to senior the next season on the ISU Grand Prix circuit. At her first senior event, Mao won the silver medal at Cup of China. She then won her second event, Trophée Eric Bombard which qualified her for the ISU Grand Prix Final which she also won over 2006 Bronze Medalist Irina Slutskaya. At the 2006 Japanese National Championships, Asada became the first female skater to land two triple Axels during a free program. She was sent to the 2006 World Junior Figure Skating Championships and won the silver medal. She became the first female skater to land a triple Axel in a short program. In the 2006-2007 season, Asada won the bronze medal at Skate America and won the gold at the NHK Trophy qualifying her for the ISU Grand Prix Final. At the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships, Asada won the silver medal behind her countrywoman Miki Ando. In the 2007-2008 season, Asada won her two Grand Prix events as well as the silver medal at the Grand Prix Final. Ather first appearance at the 2008 Four Continents Championships, Asada won both segments finishing 13.71 points ahead of Joannie Rochette. She repeated this feat by winning the 2008 World Figure Skating Championships. Mao is currently the defending ISU Grand Prix Final Champion, 2009 Japanese National Champion, the 2009 Four Continents Bronze Medalist and she placed fourth at the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships.