Japanese Teenager Leads Women’s Olympic Figure Skating After Record-Breaking Short Program
Milano-Cortina, Italy – Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai of Japan stunned the figure skating world Tuesday, taking the lead in the women’s singles competition at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics with a season-best score of 78.71 in the short program. Nakai’s performance comes as veteran Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, aims for a final Olympic gold before retirement, currently sitting in second place with a score of 77.23.
The competition is tight, with American Amber Liu in third at 76.59. However, three-time U.S. Champion Amber Glenn struggled with a costly mistake and is currently in 13th place. The free skate is scheduled for Thursday, where Nakai, Sakamoto, and Liu will be the final three skaters to perform. This marks a potential turning point for Japan, as the last Japanese woman to win Olympic gold in figure skating also did so in Italy – Shizuka Arakawa in 2006.
Japan’s Nakai Shines, Sakamoto Aims for Historic Gold at Milano-Cortina Olympics
Dazzling 17-year-old Ami Nakai of Japan has surged to the top of the women’s figure skating standings at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, earning a season’s best score of 78.71 in the short program.
Nakai’s Remarkable Rise
Remarkably, Nakai’s ascent has been swift, finishing 15th at Japanese nationals just one year ago.
Pro Tip: Consistent performance in short programs is crucial for building momentum heading into the free skate, where skaters have more opportunity to showcase their artistry and technical skills.
Sakamoto’s Farewell Olympic Push
Veteran Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, closely trails Nakai with a score of 77.23.
Having announced this will be her last Olympics, Sakamoto skated with freedom and abandon, flowing across the ice with determination.
American Contenders Face Challenges
American Amber Liu currently sits in third place with a season’s best score of 76.59.
However, three-time U.S. Champion Amber Glenn encountered a setback with a costly mistake during her program, landing in 13th place.
Notably, no American woman has won Olympic gold in figure skating since Sarah Hughes’ victory in 2002.
The Race for Gold Heats Up
Mone Chiba of Japan holds fourth place, while Adeliia Petrosian, skating as an Individual Neutral Athlete, is in fifth.
The competition remains incredibly close, setting the stage for a thrilling free skate on Thursday.
If history is any indication, Japan has a strong chance, as the last time a Japanese woman won Olympic gold in figure skating was also in Italy – Shizuka Arakawa at the 2006 Torino Games.
Beyond the Ice: Bobsled Drama and Alpine Anticipation
The Olympics continue to deliver excitement beyond figure skating.
In bobsled, Johannes Lochner and Georg Fleischhauer of Germany triumphed over Francesco Friedrich, ending his gold-medal streak.
Alpine skiing fans eagerly await Mikaela Shiffrin’s final race at the Games – the slalom on Wednesday.
Shiffrin’s Pursuit of Olympic Glory
Despite her World Cup dominance, Shiffrin has faced challenges at the Olympics, with her last medal coming in 2014.
Switzerland’s Camille Rast and Wendy Holdener, along with Germany’s Emma Aicher, pose significant threats to Shiffrin’s pursuit of gold.
Team Events and Record-Breaking Performances
Wednesday’s schedule also includes cross-country skiing team sprints, with Sweden’s Frida Karlsson and Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo among the favorites.
Klæbo has the opportunity to become the first man to sweep all six cross-country skiing events at the Olympics.
Olympic Numbers to Know
4.3 million: Average viewership for the United States men’s hockey team group stage games on NBC and Peacock.
1,800: Microphones used by the Olympic Broadcast Services to capture all the competition audio.
16: Medals won by France, the most the country has ever won at a Winter Olympics.
15: Age of United States halfpipe skier Abby Winterberger, the youngest competitor at the Olympics.
8: Overall medals won by French biathlete Quentin Fillon Maillet, who became France’s most decorated Winter Olympian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the women’s figure skating free skate?
A: Thursday, beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
Q: Who are the final three skaters in the free skate?
A: Amber Liu, Kaori Sakamoto, and Ami Nakai, in that order.
Q: Has a Japanese woman ever won Olympic gold in figure skating?
A: Yes, Shizuka Arakawa won in 2006.
Did you know? The last and only time a Japanese woman captured gold in Olympic women’s figure skating also came in Italy.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics!