Ami Nakai Soars to Olympic Lead as U.S. Skaters Falter
Ami Nakai has stunned the figure skating world, taking the lead after the short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The 18-year-old Japanese skater delivered a near-flawless triple axel, earning a career-high 78.71 points and putting herself at the forefront of the women’s competition. Close behind, her teammate Kaori Sakamoto posted 77.23 points, chasing the one Olympic gold medal that has so far eluded her.
For the U.S. team, the night was a mixed bag. Alysa Liu managed to stay competitive, scoring 76.59 points and keeping herself within striking distance of the podium. But the rest of the American contingent struggled under the pressure. Isabeau Levito lost a level on her step sequence, dropping to eighth place, while three-time U.S. champion Amber Glenn’s routine suffered a critical error. Doubling a triple loop invalidated her jump entirely, leaving her in 13th place with 67.39 points, a heartbreaking setback in her Olympic campaign.
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Japan’s dominance was further highlighted by Mone Chiba, who scored 74 points, positioning Japan with three strong contenders heading into Thursday’s free skate. This gives the Japanese team a remarkable opportunity to potentially sweep the podium, an outcome that has added intensity to what has already been a high-stakes event.
Meanwhile, the field of challengers is not limited to Japan and the United States. Adeliia Petrosian, a rising 18-year-old from Moscow, competed as a neutral athlete due to Russia’s ongoing ban from international competition. Despite limited exposure on the world stage, Petrosian impressed with a technically precise and confident routine, including a double axel and a triple flip–triple toe loop combination, earning her a place in the free skate and a chance to compete with the top contenders.
The short program results have set the stage for a dramatic showdown. With Nakai leading and Sakamoto close behind, every element in the upcoming free skate will be scrutinized. U.S. skaters must rebound quickly if they hope to challenge Japan’s dominance, while new entrants like Petrosian add an unpredictable element to the mix. The performances here not only highlight individual talent but also carry national pride and the pressure of Olympic history.
The women’s free skate promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy and nerves. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Japan can maintain its lead or if the Americans and other contenders can turn the tables. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of this thrilling Olympic competition and follow the action as it unfolds on the ice.
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