Winter Olympics 2026: Japan’s Nakai Ami delivers in figure skating short program for lead
Japan’s Nakai Ami leads the women’s figure skating competition after Tuesday evening’s (17 February) short program at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The talented 17-year-old earned a season’s best 78.71 points, just edging out fellow countrywoman Sakamoto Kaori, a three-time world champion and reigning Olympic bronze medallist, who scored 77.23 points.
Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion from the United States, currently sits in third with a score of 76.59. “Having finished the performance, it felt like a dream out there,” Nakai expressed after her thrilling routine. “I’m so happy I nailed the triple Axel on this amazing stage.”
As the first contender to skate, Nakai set an impressive tone early, opening with a clean triple Axel before executing a series of complex maneuvers, including a triple Lutz, triple toe loop combination, and a triple loop. Skating to “La Strada” by Nino Rota, Nakai concluded her performance with jubilant fists raised triumphantly to the crowd.
This season marks an incredible rise for Nakai, who finished 15th at the Japanese national championships just a year ago. Her determination and hard work paid off as she qualified for the Grand Prix Final, achieving victory at the Grand Prix of France. “I feel like I should be enjoying this Olympics,” she reflected, showcasing maturity beyond her years. “Before the music started, I was calm and felt like myself.”
In the thick of competition, Sakamoto, 25, aims for a farewell performance at her final Olympic Games. Skating to “Time to Say Goodbye,” she captivated the crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena with her technical prowess, executing a triple Lutz, double Axel, and a triple flip, triple toe loop combination with grace.
Liu, the only U.S. woman with Olympic experience, produced a clean routine but experienced a quarter call on her second jump during her triple Lutz, triple loop combination. She finished with a personal best, demonstrating exceptional growth since her return from retirement last season. “It’s indescribable,” Liu stated, reflecting on her journey back to the ice since Beijing. “Genuinely, it would take an entire movie to explain.”
With the free skate looming on Thursday (19 February), all eyes will be on these competitors as they vie for Olympic glory.
