Mirai Nagasu started skating at age five because her parents took her ice skating on a rainy day when she couldn't play golf. Born in Montebello, California, Mirai is a second-generation Japanese-American. Because Nagasu was born in the United States, and both her parents were born in Japan, she has dual citizenship with the United States and Japan. Mirai speaks both English and Japanese.

In the 2006-2007 season, Mirai moved up to the Junior level. The 2007 Nationals were her first time competing at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships where she won the junior title. She then went on to the 2007 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, placing second overall.

For the 2007-2008 season, Mirai moved up to the Senior level nationally, but remained Junior internationally. At the 2007-2008 ISU Junior Grand Prix event in Lake Placid, New York, her first Junior Grand Prix competition of her career, she won the gold medal with a 26 point lead over the silver medalist.

At the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Mirai won the short program with a score of 70.23. She also landed a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination for the first time in competition. She placed third in the free skate but won the title overall with a score of 190.41. Mirai is the first skater to win the junior and senior National titles back to back in the ladies division since Joan Tozzer in 1937 and 1938.

Mirai faced many obstacles and challenges during the 2009 season.  She grew 5 inches and battled injuries that prevented her from proper training and preparation for the season.  At the 2009 U.S. Championships, Mirai held back her tears and performed and admirable free program.  In May 2009, Mirai switched coaches, to Frank Carroll. “I’m very excited to be training with Evan Lysacek,” Nagasu said. “Training at the same rink as the current world champion is a great motivation — exactly what I need moving into the Olympic year.”

At the recent 2010 U.S. Championships, Mirai arrived in Spokane with a renewed spirit, new attitude and healthy body.  She even won over the audience and earned her first trip to the Olympics.