Japan's Ami Nakai Takes Lead in Women's Figure Skating Short Program at 2026 Winter Olympics

The women's figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan saw a remarkable performance from Japan's Ami Nakai, who emerged as the surprise leader after the short program with a personal-best score of 78.71. The 17-year-old skater, competing in her Olympic debut, executed a flawless routine that included a triple axel, a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, and a triple loop, showcasing her technical prowess. Following Nakai was her compatriot Kaori Sakamoto, the reigning world champion, who scored 77.23 points, and Alysa Liu of the United States, who placed third with 76.59 points.

The GuardianUnited Press International (UPI)Olympic figure skating results: Ami Nakai shines in women’s short programAmi Nakai, Japan's 17-year-old figure skating phenom, steals the show in breakout Olympic short programAlysa Liu in 3rd after Olympic figure skating short program, Japan's Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto leadThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)

The short program highlighted Japan's strength in women's figure skating, with three of their skaters occupying the top four positions. Mone Chiba, another Japanese competitor, finished fourth with a score of 74.00, setting the stage for a potential podium sweep in the upcoming free skate.

Olympic figure skating results: Ami Nakai shines in women’s short program

Nakai expressed her excitement, stating, “I feel like I’m dreaming. I just tried to stay in my skate and have a good time for the rest of the skate.” Sakamoto, reflecting on her performance, acknowledged some nerves but felt more comfortable as her routine progressed. Liu, who made a comeback after a two-year hiatus, emphasized her focus on personal achievement rather than competition against her Japanese rivals, saying, “Whether I beat them or not is not my goal.”

Alysa Liu in 3rd after Olympic figure skating short program, Japan's Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto lead

However, the American team faced challenges. Isabeau Levito finished eighth after losing points on her step sequence, while Amber Glenn, who had hoped for a strong showing, ended up in 13th place after a significant error on a triple loop. Glenn, visibly upset, remarked, “I had it,” indicating her disappointment over the missed opportunity.

BBC News

Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, also made a strong impression, finishing fifth with a score of 72.89. The 18-year-old skater, who has faced limited international competition due to Russia's ongoing ban, performed a clean routine that included a triple lutz and a triple flip-triple toe loop. Petrosian expressed her satisfaction with her score, stating, “I’m quite pleased with my score. It’s good.”

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

The free skate segment of the women's figure skating competition is scheduled for Thursday, where the scores from the short program will be combined with the free skate results to determine the medalists. With Nakai, Sakamoto, and Liu all in contention, the event promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the women's singles competition at the Winter Games.

Ami Nakai, Japan's 17-year-old figure skating phenom, steals the show in breakout Olympic short program

• “I feel like I’m dreaming,” — Ami Nakai, Skater

The Guardian

• “Whether I beat them or not is not my goal,” — Alysa Liu, Skater

The Guardian

• “I had it.” — Amber Glenn, Skater

The Guardian

This competition has not only showcased the depth of talent among the skaters but also set the stage for an exciting climax to the figure skating events at the Olympics.

Ami Nakai, Japan's 17-year-old figure skating phenom, steals the show in breakout Olympic short program