Japan's Ami Nakai Stuns with Triple Axel, Takes Olympic Figure Skating Lead
Japan's teen phenom lands triple Axel, posts season-best score in women's figure skating short program at Winter Olympics. 17-year-old Ami Nakai edges out Kaori Sakamoto and Alysa Liu with a spirited short program performance in Milan.
“I just need to be here, and I just need to be present, and I need people to see what I do next...”
Japan's Ami Nakai has stunned the figure skating world with her impressive performance at the Winter Olympics in Milan! The 17-year-old landed a triple Axel and scored a season-best 78.71 in her Olympic debut, taking the lead in the women's figure skating competition.
Fresh. Youthful. Dynamic." These are the words to describe the performance of Japan's own Ami Nakai. ✨ #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/HdvjqfSSYr
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026
Nakai's carefree confidence and skill have put her in medal contention, despite being a first-time Olympian. “I had nothing to lose,” she said, attributing her success to her relaxed mindset. She's currently ahead of three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto and American Alysa Liu, who's the reigning world champion.
Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, is in second place with a score of 77.23, while American Alysa Liu is close behind in third with 76.59, setting the stage for Thursday's free skate that will determine the medal winners.
“I wasn't nervous at all, so I was able to perform as my usual self and excel,” Nakai told reporters.
“Since this is my first Olympics, I had nothing to lose, and that mindset definitely translated into my results.”
Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, showcased her experience and skill in front of a packed Milano Ice Skating Arena, delivering a flawless routine to “Time To Say Goodbye” in her pursuit of an Olympic gold medal. This marks her final Olympic campaign, and she's determined to go out on top.
Sakamoto's composed performance earned her a score of 77.23, placing her second behind teammate Ami Nakai, who's leading with 78.71. Sakamoto's experience and skill will be crucial in the free skate on Thursday, where the medals will be decided.
“I was deeply moved by the pairs performance yesterday, and it really brought home to me how important it is to never give up until the very end,” she said.
“I wanted to be myself as usual, and there was a little bit of nerve, but I was able to sustain the nerve,” said Sakamoto, the bronze medallist from Beijing 2022.
“In the first half, I was a little bit anxious. But as the music goes on, I got very comfortable, and I was able to really enjoy my performance today.”
Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, beamed with confidence after her impressive short program performance, landing a triple Lutz-triple loop combination and scoring a season-best 76.59 points. This puts her in third place, just behind Japan's Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto.
Welcome to the triple Axel at the Olympics club, Nakai Ami and Amber Glenn! 🙌#FigureSkating #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/Rkn6xGTtl9
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 17, 2026
Liu's carefree attitude is a result of her journey - she retired from skating in 2022 at 16, feeling burnt out, but made a comeback with a newfound passion and perspective. “Quitting was the best decision I ever made, and coming back was the best decision I ever made,” she said. Her experience has taught her to focus on enjoying the process rather than stressing about outcomes.
“A medal? I don't need a medal,” she told reporters.
“I just need to be here, and I just need to be present, and I need people to see what I do next.”
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