MILAN, February 19, 2026 —2026 Winter Olympics: The women’s single figure skating event at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has reached a fever pitch. Following an electrifying short program on Tuesday night, 17-year-old Japanese sensation Ami Nakai has defied the odds to take the top spot. However, the leaderboard remains razor-thin, with three-time World Champion Kaori Sakamoto and American star Alysa Liu within striking distance of Olympic glory.
1. 2026 Winter Olympics The Rise of a Teenage Prodigy: Ami Nakai
Ami Nakai, the youngest competitor in the field, has officially transitioned from a “rising talent” to the “skater to beat.” Making her senior international debut this season, Nakai entered the event with a lower world ranking but delivered a performance that shook the establishment.
Short Program Score: 78.71 (Personal Best)
The Technical Edge: Her routine featured a soaring Triple Axel—a high-risk, high-reward jump that few women attempt—and a flawless triple lutz–triple toe loop combination.
The Moment: Skating 18th out of 29, Nakai’s composure was the highlight of the night. Her broad smile and triumphant fist pump as her music faded signaled a shift in momentum that put the veterans on notice.
2. Kaori Sakamoto: The Quest for a Golden Farewell
At 25, Kaori Sakamoto is the veteran anchor of the Japanese team. Having already announced that this will be her final competitive season, the stakes for Thursday’s free skate could not be higher.
Current Standing: 2nd Place (Score: 77.23)
The Strategy: While she lacks the Triple Axel of her younger teammate, Sakamoto is unmatched in Program Component Scores (PCS). Her legendary speed, edge control, and deep artistry allow her to rack up points where others falter.
The Legacy: With three consecutive world titles to her name, a gold medal in Milan would be the perfect crowning achievement for one of the greatest skaters of the modern era.
3. Alysa Liu: The American Comeback Story
The most anticipated storyline for Team USA is the return of 20-year-old Alysa Liu. After stepping away from the sport for two years, Liu has returned with a newfound maturity and technical consistency that has placed her firmly on the podium hunt.
Current Standing: 3rd Place (Score: 76.59)
Historical Significance: If Liu maintains her position, she will end a two-decade medal drought for American women in the Olympic singles event. Her near-perfect short program proved that her comeback is not just a participation story—it’s a title fight.
4. Leaderboard Snapshot: Top Contenders
| Skater Name | Country | Short Program Score | Key Strength | Status |
| Ami Nakai | Japan | 78.71 | Triple Axel / Technical Power | Leader |
| Kaori Sakamoto | Japan | 77.23 | Artistry / Speed / Experience | Challenger |
| Alysa Liu | USA | 76.59 | Consistency / Performance | Podium Hunter |
| Mone Chiba | Japan | 74.00 | Technical Depth | Dark Horse |
5. Highs and Lows for Team USA
While Alysa Liu shines, her teammates face an uphill battle heading into the free skate:
Isabeau Levito: Currently in 8th place (70.84). Despite a graceful Sophia Loren-inspired routine, a few technical minor errors kept her out of the top five.
Amber Glenn: The reigning U.S. Champion sits in 13th (67.39). An emotional Glenn struggled with a missed triple loop, leaving her needing a career-best free skate to climb back into the top ten.
6. Crucial Factors for the Free Skate Final
The gold medal will be decided by the narrowest of margins. On Thursday, three factors will determine who walks away with hardware:
The 1.1x Bonus: Skaters receive a 10% bonus for jumps performed in the second half of the program. Expect risk-heavy layouts as skaters chase every decimal point.
The Age Factor: This is the first Olympics under the new age minimum of 17. Nakai’s lead proves that while the “quad-jumping 15-year-old” era may be over, teenage dominance remains a core part of the sport.
Risk vs. Reward: Will Nakai play it safe to protect her lead, or will she attempt multiple high-value jumps? Sakamoto’s path to gold relies on a “clean sheet”—perfect execution over raw difficulty.
7. Beyond the Rink: Speed Skating & Hockey Updates
The Games in Milan Cortina are delivering drama across all venues:
Speed Skating Upset: China’s Ning Zhongyan stunned the field to take gold in the 1,500m. American phenom Jordan Stolz took silver, missing out on a historic sweep but adding a third medal to his tally.
Hockey Rivalry: The U.S. Women’s Hockey team is set for a gold-medal showdown against Canada. The Americans have been dominant, allowing only one goal in the entire tournament thus far.
Curling Drama: Team USA women survived a heart-stopping extra-end thriller against Switzerland to secure a spot in the semifinals.
8. How to Watch: Live Schedule
Don’t miss the conclusion of the most closely contested figure skating final in decades.
Event: Women’s Single Free Skating Final
Start Time: Thursday, Feb 19 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: Live on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Free Trial Options: Services like DIRECTV Stream offer a 5-day free trial that includes NBC access.
Final Outlook: A Japanese Sweep?
With three skaters in the top four, Japan is on the verge of a historic podium sweep. However, with only 2.12 points separating the top three, any mistake in the free skate could completely reshuffle the standings.