Mao's post GPF airport interview (when she arrived back in Japan) which was aired in multiple news channels as well as quoted in multiple articles has her saying 'I still need to improve the height and quality of the jumps that are already in the program, but I want to begin practicing my triple-axel and triple-triple combinations, though of course this depends on how my hip condition goes'.
Mao is reported to not have practiced the triple-axel or triple-triple combos so far this season, and put that time to working on other things. Despite this, she did try jumping the triple-axel at official practice at COC (I think she landed one or two that seemed pretty rotated), so I would imagine that she continued to try out these jumps in practice sometimes. But I think she and Coach Sato had this agreement that her focus would be on working on other things besides the 3-axel and 3-3.
By the way, was it mentioned in English boards that Mao was in a great deal of discomfort during GPF due to hip pains, and she wanted to withdraw after her SP. Mao said in interviews that both of the Satos (Nobuo and Kumiko) gave her the strength to go out there and perform despite the pain. Coach Nobuo, amongst other things, basically told her she could do it despite the pain since he knew of some skaters who had performed with broken bones!
Anyway, Mao sounded grateful for their encouragement. Another thing that was mentioned in Japanese media was that some journalist asked Mao to comment on how it felt like to skate and win at GPF because it coincided with the anniversary of her Mother's death, and Mao replied something like 'it is no different from other skating events, excuse me...' and then proceeded to cry profusely. She obviously didn't want to talk about it, didn't want anyone to know how she felt, but she couldn't stop crying for a while. Of course, no one was so insensitive as to ask another question on that topic. Grand Prix Final, what with memories of her mother and hip pains, was a mentally tough competition for Mao, but turned out to be a good one because she managed to hold herself together and win in very good style.
A few days after coming back to Japan, Mao posted a message on her official site saying that her 'hips are fine!' so this indicates that she's gonna start practicing those 3-axels and 3-3 toward competition, but who knows if she'll actually put them in the program. I mean, it's not like she needs them to win this season. But, I really think that everything Team Mao is doing is toward peaking at Olympics, and I think they are aware that she will likely need a 3-3 at Olympics (though I kind of think that even that is debatable). But even if she doesn't need it, I think that she would like to put in at least a 3-3, because I think it's just in the competitive nature of athletes to attempt the best program feasible.
I think Japan Nationals or 4CC (if Mao is going this year) would be a good time to try out a 3-3, 3-axel or both to see how it goes. I presume that they would not be so adventurous at Worlds.
