The opening day of figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina featured a strong performance from Team USA, currently leading the event. Among the highlights was Japanese skater Sakamoto Kaori’s impressive short program.
USA Takes the Lead in Day 1 of Figure Skating
Sakamoto, a silver medalist from the Beijing 2022 Olympics, achieved a score of 78.88 points in her short program. This performance propelled Japan from sixth to second place in the rankings, closely trailing Team USA.
Sakamoto’s Performance
- Sakamoto Kaori: 78.88 points
- Improved team ranking: From 6th to 2nd
- Notable elements: Top levels on spins and footwork
- Minor error: Wrong edge on triple Lutz
“I thought I skated really well for my first performance,” Sakamoto stated. She expressed relief and comfort with the ice as the event progresses. Her focus remains on maintaining her technique in upcoming performances to reach her goals.
Team USA’s Alysa Liu Shines
Team USA’s Alysa Liu also delivered a commendable performance, scoring 74.90 points. This placed her just shy of her season’s best despite a few under-rotations on her jumps.
- Alysa Liu: 74.90 points
- Performance comparison: Second Olympic appearance
- Goals: Desire to showcase more talent
Liu noted her excitement about the Games and her desire to perform under the spotlight. She is committed to displaying her full potential at this major international event.
Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann Aces the Stage
Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann achieved a personal best of 71.62 points, marking her first time breaking the 70-point barrier. Competing on home ice added to her motivation, and her strong performance earned her third place in the segment.
- Lara Naki Gutmann: 71.62 points
- Significant milestone: First score above 70 points
As the competition unfolds, Team USA leads in the figure skating team event, while Sakamoto and her Japanese teammates aim to secure gold. The performances on this first day set the stage for exciting contests ahead in Milano Cortina 2026.
