Japan's Ami Nakai surges to Olympic lead after short program
Japan's Ami Nakai surges to Olympic lead after short program
The figure skating world has a new sensation, and her name is Ami Nakai. In a breathtaking Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, the 17-year-old Japanese star has taken the lead in the women's short program, signaling a potential changing of the guard in the sport. Scoring a career-best 78.71, Nakai outperformed seasoned veterans and world champions to sit at the top of the standings heading into the decisive free skate.
The atmosphere at the Milano Ice Skating Arena was electric on Tuesday evening as Nakai, the first of the major contenders to take the ice, delivered a masterclass in technical precision and youthful exuberance. Skating to the classic sounds of Nino Rota's La Strada, she immediately set the tone for the night by landing a flawless triple Axel—a high-risk jump that has become her trademark. This early success gave her the momentum needed to sweep through the rest of her program with undeniable confidence.
A Triple Axel for the Ages
Nakai's performance was defined by her technical prowess. After nailing the opening triple Axel, which she later rated a 10 out of 10, she followed up with a seamless triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination and a clean triple loop. Her technical elements were complemented by polished spins and footwork that earned high marks from the judging panel. As she hit her final pose, the young skater erupted with joy, pumping her fists in a display of pure emotion that resonated with the Milan crowd.
“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. Before the music started, I was calm and was my usual self. I managed to pull it off, all things considered.” her meteoric rise from finishing 15th at Japanese nationals just a year ago to leading the Olympic field is a testament to her rapid development and mental fortitude.
The Battle of the Titans: Sakamoto and Liu Close Behind
While Nakai holds the lead, the competition is far from over. Her teammate and three-time world champion, Kaori Sakamoto, is currently in second place with a score of 77.23. Sakamoto, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist, brought her signature speed and artistic power to her "Time to Say Goodbye" program. Despite Nakai's higher technical score, Sakamoto earned the highest program components of the night, proving that her artistry remains a formidable force. Sakamoto is chasing the one major gold medal missing from her illustrious trophy cabinet.
In third place sits the United States' Alysa Liu, the 2025 world champion, who recorded a 76.59. Liu's performance marks a significant chapter in her comeback story after briefly retiring from the sport following the Beijing Games. Looking calm and centered, Liu stayed within striking distance of the leaders, ensuring that the podium battle will be a multi-national affair. With only 2.12 points separating the top three skaters, Thursday’s free skate promises to be an intense showdown.
Mixed Fortunes for Team USA and the Rise of Adeliia Petrosian
The night was not as favorable for the rest of the American "Blade Angels." Isabeau Levito finished in eighth place after losing a level on her step sequence, while U.S. champion Amber Glenn faced heartbreak. Glenn, a favorite for a medal, "popped" a planned triple loop into a double, resulting in zero points for the element and leaving her in 13th place. Despite the setback, Glenn remains a crowd favorite for her explosive athleticism and will look to climb the rankings in the free skate.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the competition is 18-year-old Adeliia Petrosian. Competing as a neutral athlete, Petrosian was slotted in an early group due to a lack of world ranking but stunned the arena with a technical display that placed her fifth. Coached by the controversial Eteri Tutberidze, Petrosian was cleared to compete by the IOC after being vetted for ties to the military. Her presence in the final warm-up group for the free skate adds a wildcard element to the race for gold, especially given her ability to land quadruple jumps.
As the skaters prepare for Thursday, all eyes remain on Ami Nakai. The teenager has already proven she can handle the pressure of the Olympic stage, but holding off a legendary teammate and a determined world champion in the free skate will be her greatest challenge yet. Whether she can turn this short program lead into Olympic gold remains to be seen, but for now, Nakai is the undisputed star of Milano Cortina.
Japan's Ami Nakai surges to Olympic lead after short program
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