Seventeen-Year-Old Nakai Ami Joins Japan’s Olympic Team in Stellar Season
Following the conclusion of the Japan Figure Skating Championships 2025, the Japan Skating Federation has selected 17-year-old Nakai Ami for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Despite finishing fourth at the national competition, Nakai’s impressive performance in her rookie senior season convinced officials of her potential for the Olympic podium.
Nakai Ami’s Stellar Season
Nakai kicked off her senior career by winning the Grand Prix de France. She then secured a bronze medal at Skate Canada, culminating in a silver medal at the Grand Prix Final. Although she had a setback at the national championships, where she struggled with the triple Axel, her overall season performance was deemed exceptional.
Qualifying for the Olympics
“The Olympics was within reach going into the nationals, and I expected something from myself,” Nakai reflected after her selection. “I’m thrilled to have qualified for the Olympics.” Her determination illustrates her aspirations not just to compete, but to excel.
Future Aspirations
Nakai expressed her lifelong dream of participating in the Olympics. “Now my next goal is to come away with a good result at the Olympics,” she stated. With approximately fifty days until the Games, Nakai plans to maximize her training opportunities.
Team Selection for Milano Cortina 2026
Nakai will compete alongside other talented athletes making their Olympic debuts, including:
- Chiba Mone (women’s singles)
- Sato Shun (men’s singles)
- Miura Kao (men’s singles)
- Nagaoka Yuna and Moriguchi Sumitada (pairs)
- Yoshida Utana and Morita Masaya (ice dance)
The team will also include experienced skaters such as:
- Sakamoto Kaori (women’s singles)
- Kagiyama Yuma (men’s singles)
- Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi (pairs)
These athletes were part of the squad that won a silver medal at Beijing 2022. Sakamoto and Kagiyama earned automatic berths after successfully defending their titles. Meanwhile, Miura/Kihara, despite a dislocated shoulder setback during the national championships, were selected due to their outstanding track record.
Alternates for the Team
The following athletes have been named as alternates:
- Men: Tomono Kazuki, Yamamoto Sota, Tsuboi Tatsuya
- Women: Watanabe Rinka, Aoki Yuna
As determined by National Olympic Committees, the final participation of these athletes in Milano Cortina 2026 is contingent upon their respective delegations’ decisions.
