2026 Winter Olympics: Ami Nakai, 17, tops women's figure skating short program as Japan dominate
2026 Winter Olympics: Ami Nakai, 17, tops women's figure skating short program as Japan dominate
MILAN — In a night that signaled a changing of the guard in women's figure skating, 17-year-old Japanese sensation Ami Nakai delivered a performance for the ages. On Tuesday night at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, the Olympic debutante stunned the world by clinching the top spot in the short program at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. With a mix of youthful exuberance and technical precision, Nakai led a dominant Japanese contingent that has placed Team USA on high alert.
The atmosphere in Milan was electric as Nakai took to the ice. Skating to "La Strada" by Nino Rota, the teenager looked anything but a newcomer. She opened her routine with a massive, clean triple Axel—a jump that has become her trademark—instantly setting her apart from the field. She followed with a seamless triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination and a flawless triple loop. When the music stopped, Nakai erupted in joy, pumping her fists as the crowd roared. Her score of 78.71 was not only a personal best but secured her the lead heading into Thursday's free skate.
Japanese Excellence: Sakamoto and Chiba Form a Formidable Front
Nakai was not the only Japanese skater to shine under the Olympic lights. Close on her heels is the legendary Kaori Sakamoto. The three-time world champion and reigning Olympic bronze medalist brought her signature power and artistry to the ice, scoring 77.23. Sakamoto, who is chasing the elusive Olympic gold to cap off a storied career, sits in second place, just 1.48 points behind her younger teammate. The veteran's performance was emotional, highlighted by her trademark speed and a program components score that was the highest of the evening.
Adding to Japan’s dominance, Mone Chiba turned in a resilient performance to score 74.00, placing her in fourth. Chiba’s high ranking means Japan has three skaters in the top five, raising the very real possibility of a historic podium sweep. "Having finished the performance, it felt like a dream out there," Nakai told reporters after her skate. "I'm so happy I nailed the triple Axel on this amazing stage." The synergy between the Japanese skaters has been evident throughout the season, and their collective strength was on full display in Milan.
Team USA Faces Uphill Battle as Alysa Liu Keeps Medal Hopes Alive
While Japan celebrated, it was a night of mixed emotions for the United States’ "Blade Angels." The bright spot for Team USA was Alysa Liu. The 2025 world champion, who recently returned to the sport after a brief retirement, proved she still belongs among the elite. Liu delivered a poised and graceful performance to the music of Laufey, landing a difficult triple Lutz-triple loop combination. Her score of 76.59 put her in third place, keeping her within striking distance of the leaders.
However, the rest of the American team struggled to find their footing. Isabeau Levito, making her Olympic debut, finished in eighth place with a score of 70.84 after losing a level on her step sequence. The most heartbreaking moment of the night belonged to three-time U.S. champion Amber Glenn. Despite landing a spectacular triple Axel to start her program, Glenn "popped" a planned triple loop into a double. Because a double loop is an invalid element in the short program for seniors, she received zero points for the jump, leaving her in 13th place with a score of 67.39.
The Russian Wildcard and the Road to the Free Skate
Adding another layer of intrigue to the competition was Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete. The 18-year-old from Moscow, coached by the controversial Eteri Tutberidze, was a relative unknown on the international circuit due to Russia's ban from competition. However, Petrosian proved she is a serious contender, finishing the short program in fifth place. Known for her ability to land quadruple jumps, Petrosian played it safe on Tuesday but is expected to unleash a high-difficulty technical arsenal in the free skate.
As the competition moves toward Thursday's decisive free skate, the pressure is mounting. Only 2.12 points separate the top three skaters, meaning the gold medal is anyone's to win. For Nakai, the goal is to maintain the composure that has defined her meteoric rise this season. For Sakamoto, it is a chance at redemption and Olympic glory. And for Liu, it is an opportunity to prove that her comeback story is far from over. One thing is certain: the world will be watching as these athletes return to the ice to decide who will be crowned the Olympic champion in Milan.
2026 Winter Olympics: Ami Nakai, 17, tops women's figure skating short program as Japan dominate
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