6. Shoma Uno JPN
2017 Worlds short program
It was the program that really catapulted him to the top and set him up for a medal in Helsinki. After having a somewhat disappointing Worlds debut last season, Shoma Uno came into this year’s Worlds with a lighter attitude and a confidence that we haven’t seen from him before.
In some ways, he came in just a tiny bit under the radar, especially after the Nathan Chen-Yuzuru Hanyu headlines that were generated after Four Continents. But he found his way and put down his cleanest short of the season to finish second in the short program here.
But more importantly, this program represents an artistic maturity that he could not have pulled off even just a year ago - and it grew throughout the season. And it was the impetus of his success at Worlds, and why he made a case for himself as a bonafide contender for Olympic gold next year.