Japan’s Ami Nakai surged into the lead after the women’s figure skating short program at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, capitalizing on errors from several American competitors. The 17-year-old Nakai delivered a season-best performance, scoring 78.71 points to top the leaderboard.
Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto currently holds second place, further solidifying Japan’s strong position in the competition. Compatriot Mone Chiba, a bronze medalist at last year’s World Championships, is in fourth. The strong showing by the Japanese team contrasts sharply with the struggles of the American contingent.
Reigning world champion Alysa Liu of the United States sits in third place, but her performance was not without flaws. Liu, known for her distinctive halo hairstyle and lip piercing, received a warm reception from the crowd, which included fellow American skater Ilia Malinin and rapper Snoop Dogg. However, she lost points on a triple lutz, landing it on the quarter rotation, resulting in a deduction.
The American team suffered a more significant setback with Amber Glenn’s performance. Glenn, 26, missed her triple loop entirely, receiving zero points for the element. Visibly distraught, Glenn burst into tears as she left the ice, effectively ending her medal hopes. She currently sits in 13th place.
Adeliia Petrosian, representing the Russian team as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN), is in fifth position. Great Britain’s Kristen Spours, competing in her final event before retirement due to injury, finished 29th and will not advance to the free skate. Only the top 24 skaters will compete in the medal-deciding free skate on Thursday evening.
Nakai’s performance marks a strong start for Japan in the women’s figure skating event, setting the stage for a competitive free skate. The outcome of the competition remains uncertain, with Sakamoto and Chiba also poised to challenge for a medal. The free skate will determine the final standings and the allocation of medals.
