Mirai Nagasu—a 16-year-old Sensation
16-year-old Mirai Nagasu announced in May, 2009 that she was ending her three year coaching relationship with Charlene Wong and had chosen Frank Carroll—coach of Michelle Kwan and Evan Lysacek, both of whom he’d taken to the world championships—for the 2009-10 season.
"At the end of the season I felt like I really needed a change," Nagasu said. "After a lot of thought and deliberation, we decided that the right choice was to begin training with Mr. Carroll."
Nagasu began training with Wong in October of 2006. Subsequently, they enjoyed great professional success. Nagasu won the U.S. junior ladies title in 2007, followed by the senior ladies win the next season.
"Charlene and I have been through a lot together," Nagasu said. "She's always been there for me, and has been a huge part of my journey to this point."
Mirai was featured on the cover of the May 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated For Kids for the "20 under 20" cover story.
She finished 3rd in both the short and long program at Skate Canada, placing 4th overall. She also won the short program at the Cup of China Grand Prix competition and finished 6th in the long, for an overall finish of 5th place.
Mirai’s interests include the color pink, anything sweet or spicy to eat, watching Project Runway and America’s Best Dance Crew, the Twilight series, and she enjoys hanging out with friends and reading.
Mirai talks about the mountain she feels she has to climb in this 2009-10 season and the privlege of being coached by Frank Carroll.