The women’s figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics showcased an impressive preliminary round. Japanese skater Ami Nakai delivered a standout performance in the short program, achieving a remarkable score of 78.71 points. Her teammate, Kaori Sakamoto, followed closely with a score of 77.23. Both skaters displayed incredible talent and technique, positioning themselves as frontrunners for the upcoming free skate. In a field full of competitive athletes, Alysa Liu secured third place with a score of 76.59 points.
Ami Nakai Shines in Short Program
Ami Nakai, at just 17 years old, opened her routine with a flawless triple axel. Her execution of a triple loop-triple toe loop combination further boosted her score. Nakai expressed her enjoyment of the Olympic experience, humbly acknowledging the talent of her teammate Sakamoto.
Strong Contenders and Challenging Routines
- Kaori Sakamoto: A three-time world champion and the reigning Olympic bronze medalist, Sakamoto’s performance nearly matched Nakai’s in technical prowess.
- Alysa Liu: The American skater, who previously stepped away from the sport, showcased her renewed passion and determination. Liu aims for a podium finish, stating that she is focused on her own performance.
- Mone Chiba: Another rising Japanese star, Chiba finished with a score of 74.00, making her a potential candidate for a podium sweep for Japan.
Three other notable competitors include Isabeau Levito, who landed in eighth with 70.84 points, and Amber Glenn, who struggled to find her footing and placed 13th with 67.39 points. Glenn expressed her disappointment after an invalid jump, signaling the high stakes of Olympic figure skating.
The Rising Star: Adeliia Petrosian
Russian figure skater Adeliia Petrosian, competing as a neutral athlete, impressed the audience with her performance. Despite recent restrictions on Russian athletes due to international conflict, she excelled in her routine, landing a series of challenging jumps, including a triple lutz and a triple flip-triple toe loop.
Petrosian’s presence adds an intriguing layer to the competition, making it not only a clash between Japan and the U.S. but also a showcase for up-and-coming talent from Russia.
Looking Ahead: Free Skate Competition
The free skate segment promises to be exciting, featuring a lineup of extraordinary skaters. With Nakai and Sakamoto at the top, the competition is expected to be fierce. Liu’s journey has also been remarkable, having returned to figure skating after a period of hiatus and personal reflection.
The stakes are high as these athletes compete for Olympic glory. All eyes will be on the final performances to see who will take home the coveted medals.
