Japan's Skaters Sweep Top 4 in Olympic Short Program
Three Japanese figure skaters delivered stunning performances at the Milano Cortina Olympics, claiming three of the top four spots in the women's short program. Veteran Kaori Sakamoto and teenage Olympic rookie Ami Nakai now lead the field heading into Thursday's medal round.
In Milan's ice skating arena Tuesday night, Japanese figure skating proved it's having a moment worth celebrating.
Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai, competing in her first Olympics, landed a near-perfect routine that earned her 78.71 points and first place. The teenager nailed one of the sport's hardest jumps, the triple axel, looking relaxed and confident on the world's biggest stage.
"Honestly, I'm shocked, and I'm incredibly happy right now that I was able to deliver such a performance on this grand stage," Nakai said afterward.
Right behind her, veteran skater Kaori Sakamoto claimed second place with 77.23 points in what will be her penultimate Olympic performance. Skating to "Time to Say Goodbye," Sakamoto said something magical happened mid-routine.
"I felt something incredible, something I'd never felt before," she explained. "This strange, relaxed mode kicked in. I just felt incredibly happy."
After finishing her program, Sakamoto pumped her fist as fans showered the ice with stuffed animals and flowers. The playful moment captured what made the night special: pure joy in competition.
Making it three Japanese skaters in the top four, Mone Chiba earned 74.00 points in fourth place during her Olympic debut. Skating last to Donna Summer's "Last Dance," she gained confidence with each jump and said she "danced her last dance with all the spectators."
American Alyssa Liu rounded out the top contenders with 76.59 points in third place, setting up an exciting battle for medals Thursday.
Why This Inspires
For Nakai, preparation met opportunity at exactly the right moment. She said building a clear mental image during practice and believing in herself "right up until the very last moment" made the difference when it counted most.
Sakamoto's discovery of unexpected joy during competition reminds us that sometimes our best performances come when we stop fighting our nerves and start embracing the moment. After years of hard work, she's savoring every second of her Olympic farewell tour.
The free skate on Thursday will determine who takes home Olympic gold, but these three Japanese skaters have already shown that confidence, preparation, and joy make a winning combination.
More Images
Based on reporting by Japan Times
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity! 🌟
Share this good news with someone who needs it
