Women Free Skating 2026: Ami Nakai Leads Thrilling Olympic Battle as Japan Eyes Historic Sweep
The women free skating 2026 final at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics is perfectly poised for a dramatic finish after a sensational short program that saw Japan’s rising star Ami Nakai surge into the lead.
With veterans, comeback queens, and neutral athletes all within striking distance, Thursday’s free skate promises to deliver one of the most memorable finales in Olympic figure skating history.
Japan’s Ami Nakai Stuns the Field
Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai delivered the performance of her young career, landing a breathtaking opening triple axel on her way to a personal-best 78.71 in the short program.
Competing in her Olympic debut season after the ISU raised the minimum age to 17, Nakai skated with joy and confidence beyond her years. She followed her triple axel with a crisp triple loop–triple toe loop combination and closed with a powerful triple loop that secured her the highest technical score of the night.
“I’m just enjoying these Olympics,” Nakai said modestly after her skate, even as she stood atop the leaderboard.
Her score surpassed her previous season-best and immediately positioned her as the favorite heading into the women free skating 2026 final.
Image Credit: AI-generated illustration created using ChatGPT (OpenAI).
🇯🇵 Kaori Sakamoto Chasing Golden Goodbye
Right behind Nakai sits three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, who scored 77.23 with her emotional short program set to Time to Say Goodbye.
At 25, Sakamoto is skating in her final competitive season. The reigning Olympic bronze medalist and dominant world champion since 2022 is chasing the one title missing from her résumé — Olympic gold.
Her performance combined refined artistry with clean execution across all seven elements. Though she trailed Nakai slightly in technical value, her components score kept her firmly within reach.
If Nakai falters even slightly in the women free skating 2026 final, Sakamoto has the experience and composure to seize gold.
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Alysa Liu’s Comeback Continues
The comeback story of the Games belongs to Alysa Liu.
After finishing sixth at the Beijing Olympics and stepping away from skating due to burnout, Liu returned on her own terms — and with renewed confidence. Now 20, she posted 76.59 points to sit third, well within medal contention.
Although she lost minor points on a slightly under-rotated triple lutz, her performance radiated poise and personality.
“I’m super confident in myself, in everything,” Liu said. “It goes beyond my skating.”
Liu became the first American woman in nearly two decades to win a world title last year. Now she aims to deliver the United States its first Olympic women’s gold since 2002.
With a clean free skate, Liu could rewrite history once again in the women free skating 2026 showdown.
Mone Chiba Keeps Podium Sweep Alive
Completing Japan’s formidable trio is Mone Chiba, who scored 74.00 to sit fourth — just 2.5 points off the podium.
Chiba, last year’s world bronze medalist, gives Japan a realistic shot at sweeping all three medals in women free skating 2026 — a feat that would crown an already dominant Olympic campaign for the nation.
Japan has already collected multiple figure skating medals in Milan-Cortina, including gold in pairs and two medals in the men’s event. A podium sweep in women’s singles would cap a historic Games.
Adeliia Petrosian Shakes Up the Field
Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete.
With Russia still barred from international competition, Petrosian’s Olympic appearance came only after clearance from the International Olympic Committee. Skating to a Michael Jackson medley, she delivered a technically strong routine featuring a triple flip–triple toe combination.
Her 72.89 season-best score places her fifth but within striking range.
Given her technical arsenal and fearless presence, Petrosian could become the first neutral athlete to medal at these Games — and potentially disrupt Japan’s dream sweep in women free skating 2026.
Mixed Night for the “Blade Angels”
While Liu kept American medal hopes alive, it was a difficult night for her teammates.
- Isabeau Levito sits eighth after losing a level on her step sequence.
- Amber Glenn, the reigning U.S. champion, doubled a triple loop that was ruled invalid, scoring zero points for the element and dropping to 13th.
Glenn, skating in her Olympic debut at age 26, fought back tears after her program. Though medal chances appear slim, a strong free skate could still elevate her standings significantly.
What to Expect in Women Free Skating 2026
The free skate will decide everything. Here’s how the medal battle shapes up:
- Ami Nakai – Leads with superior technical firepower.
- Kaori Sakamoto – Experience and artistry could tip the scales.
- Alysa Liu – Within one clean program of Olympic gold.
- Mone Chiba – Ready to capitalize on any mistakes.
- Adeliia Petrosian – The wildcard with high scoring potential.
With only a few points separating the top contenders, execution under pressure will determine the champion.
A Grand Finale Awaits
The women free skating 2026 final is more than just a medal event — it is a clash of generations, styles, and storylines.
- A teenage prodigy chasing Olympic glory.
- A seasoned champion seeking the perfect farewell.
- A comeback queen redefining her legacy.
- A neutral athlete breaking barriers.
- A nation on the brink of history.
When the skaters take the ice for the final time in Milan-Cortina, expect drama, elegance, and Olympic magic.
One flawless routine could change everything.
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