Will Japan Dominate and Petrosian Shine in Women's Skating Grand Finale?

Ami Nakai's stunning performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics has captivated audiences and thrown a fresh twist into the women's figure skating competition. At just 17 years old, Nakai, the youngest competitor, led the short program, challenging the narrative that the new age rule by the International Skating Union has sidelined young talent. Her electrifying routine sets the stage for a thrilling free skate, raising questions about the potential for a Japanese podium sweep.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the competition heats up at Milan-Cortina 2026, Ami Nakai has emerged as a strong contender for a medal, showcasing a performance that has established her as a household name in figure skating. With a top score in the short program, she has positioned herself as a formidable rival to established skaters like Kaori Sakamoto. The upcoming free skate will be a decisive moment, with the potential for Nakai to solidify her status as a rising star.

Key takeaways

• Ami Nakai is the youngest competitor in the women's figure skating event at 17.
• She performed exceptionally well in the short program, leading the competition.
• Japan has already secured multiple medals in figure skating, showcasing their dominance.
• Kaori Sakamoto is Nakai’s closest competitor, and this is her final season.
• The free skate promises to be an exciting showdown for medal positions.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the current competition has been marked by key milestones in figure skating and the recent changes in regulations:

• 1 July 2022: The International Skating Union announces the new minimum age for figure skating competitors will rise from 15 to 17, aiming to protect young athletes.
• 20 October 2022: Ami Nakai debuts on the world stage, showcasing her talent in various competitions.
• 15 January 2023: Nakai achieves a season-best score of 78.00, indicating her potential as a medal contender.
• 8 February 2026: Nakai performs a standout short program at the Winter Olympics, taking the lead in the women's event.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Ami Nakai's brilliant short program performance is the highlight of the week, as she surged to the top of the leaderboard, showcasing her skills and determination. This unexpected surge has shifted the focus towards her as a serious medal contender, particularly against seasoned skaters like Kaori Sakamoto.

What was already established

Prior to the Olympics, Japan's figure skating team had established itself as a powerhouse, with previous medal wins and a strong competitive edge. Sakamoto's dominance over the past few years, including three consecutive world titles, was well-known, setting high expectations for her performance.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding the Winter Olympics, particularly in figure skating, has captivated UK audiences, offering a source of entertainment and national pride. As viewers tune in to watch the competition, it enhances the cultural significance of winter sports, potentially increasing interest and participation in local skating rinks and clubs.

Businesses and jobs

With the Olympics drawing attention, local businesses, especially those related to sports retail and hospitality, may experience a boost in engagement. Interest in winter sports could lead to increased sales in sports equipment and clothing, as well as higher foot traffic in venues that showcase Olympic events.

Policy and regulation

The implications of the new age rule by the International Skating Union may influence future policies around youth sports in the UK. Observing the performance of young athletes like Nakai may lead to discussions on how to support young talent while ensuring their well-being and development.

Numbers that matter

• 4: Number of medals Japan has secured so far in figure skating at the 2026 Olympics.
• 17: Age of Ami Nakai, making her the youngest competitor in the women's event.
• 78.00: Nakai's season-best score before the Olympics, showcasing her competitive edge.
• 3: Consecutive world titles won by Kaori Sakamoto, highlighting her dominance in the sport.
• 29: Total number of competitors in the women's event, showcasing the level of competition.

Definitions and jargon buster

• ISU: International Skating Union, the governing body for figure skating worldwide.
• Free skate: A segment in figure skating competitions where skaters perform a longer routine with more technical elements.
• Medal sweep: When athletes from one country secure all available medals in a particular event.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, viewers should keep an eye on the free skate event, where Nakai and Sakamoto will compete directly for medals. This event will be crucial in determining the final standings and potential medal outcomes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, the focus will shift to how these athletes will influence the sport moving forward. The success of young talents like Nakai may encourage younger skaters and lead to changes in training programmes and competitions.

Signals to watch

• Performance scores in upcoming free skate events.
• Any statements or changes from the ISU regarding age regulations and athlete support.
• Media coverage and public interest in figure skating post-Olympics.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow the free skate event closely to see how Nakai and other competitors perform.
• Engage with local skating communities to learn more about figure skating opportunities.
• Stay updated on ISU regulations and athlete support initiatives.

Don’t

• Underestimate the potential of young athletes in high-pressure situations.
• Ignore the emotional and mental aspects of competition for athletes.
• Miss out on supporting local sports initiatives as interest grows.

Checklist

• Watch the free skate live on streaming platforms.
• Research local figure skating clubs or rinks for participation.
• Follow updates on athlete performances and rankings.
• Engage with sports news for insights on upcoming events.
• Support mental health initiatives for young athletes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the excitement surrounding Nakai's performance is palpable, there are always uncertainties in sports competitions. Factors such as potential injuries, pressure during the free skate, and the unpredictability of rival performances could impact the outcomes significantly. Moreover, ongoing discussions about regulations in youth sports may evolve, affecting future competitions and athlete eligibility.

Bottom line

Ami Nakai's performance at the Winter Olympics has not only highlighted her talent but also reignited interest in youth athletes in figure skating. As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on Nakai and her fellow competitors to see how this dynamic event will reshape the future of the sport, especially in Japan. The potential for a podium sweep adds further intrigue to the upcoming free skate.

FAQs

Who is Ami Nakai?

Ami Nakai is a 17-year-old figure skater representing Japan, known for her impressive performance in the women's event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

What is the significance of the new age rule in figure skating?

The International Skating Union's new age rule raises the minimum age for competitors from 15 to 17, aimed at protecting young athletes and changing the landscape of competitive figure skating.

How has Japan performed in figure skating at the Olympics?

Japan has had a remarkable performance in figure skating at the 2026 Olympics, securing multiple medals across events and showcasing their strength in the sport.