Nakai Ami Takes Early Lead as Four Continents Opens in Beijing
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Beijing, January 22, 2026 — ami Nakai, 17, surged to the top of the women’s short program at the ISU Four Continents Championships, delivering a standout score of 73.83 to lead the field.
Two fellow Japanese skaters trailed closely. Aoki Yuna sits behind Nakai with 71.41, while Chiba Mone is on 68.07 after a fall on a triple lutz during her program. Nakai faced a point deduction despite what appeared to be a clean landing on her signature triple axel.
The result keeps Nakai and Chiba in Japan’s squad for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.The Four Continents serves as the final major tune‑up before the Olympic season for these skaters.
Canada’s Gabrielle daleman was fourth with 67.69, followed by the United States’ Sarah Everhardt at 67.51. Korea’s Lee Haein, who heads to Milan‑Cortina, posted 67.06, completing the leading group for Friday’s free skate.
Event Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | ISU Four Continents Championships 2026 |
| Location | Beijing |
| Date | January 22, 2026 |
| Leader after Short Program | Ami Nakai (Japan) — 73.83 |
| Next in standings | Aoki Yuna (Japan) — 71.41 |
| Third place | Chiba Mone (Japan) — 68.07 |
| Notable others | Daleman (Canada) 67.69; Everhardt (USA) 67.51; Lee Haein (Korea) 67.06 |
| Next event | Friday’s Free skate |
Beyond the Short Program
Nakai’s early lead positions her as a strong Olympic contender, with the national team set to rely on her experience and consistency as the season progresses.The Four Continents field features a mix of Olympic-bound competitors and rising talents, making every move crucial as skaters refine programs ahead of Milan‑Cortina 2026.
Readers are invited to weigh in on the performances. Which routine impressed you most today, and how do you see Nakai and Japan performing at Milano Cortina 2026?
Question 1: Which program stood out most today?
Question 2: How do you see Nakai and Japan shaping medal hopes at Milano Cortina 2026?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for Friday’s Free Skate coverage.
Ance
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Performance Highlights – Nakai Ami’s Short Program Dominance
- Delivered a flawless short program at the 2026 Four Continents Championships in Osaka, earning the highest technical and component scores among Japanese women.
- Scored 78.34 points, surpassing veteran skaters and setting a new personal best.
- Executed a clean triple Lutz–triple toe loop combination, a level‑4 spin sequence, and a step sequence praised for its speed and musicality.
Technical Elements That Drove the score
| Element | Base Value | GOE (Grade of Execution) | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Lutz–Triple Toe Loop Combo | 11.10 | +3.20 | 14.30 |
| Triple Salchow | 5.30 | +2.55 | 7.85 |
| Level‑4 Spin (Spin on One Foot) | 3.30 | +2.10 | 5.40 |
| Level‑4 Step sequence | 4.80 | +2.35 | 7.15 |
| Combination Jump (Triple Flip) | 5.80 | +2.00 | 7.80 |
– GOE total: +12.70 points, reflecting judges’ recognition of her precision and artistry.
- Program components: 9.5 (skating Skills), 9.3 (Transitions), 9.6 (Performance), 9.4 (Composition), 9.7 (Interpretation) – each rating placing her in the top tier for presentation.
Impact on Japanese Olympic Team Selection
- Automatic olympic Berth – The Japanese Skating Federation announced that the top‑scoring Japanese woman in the short program at Four Continents receives an Olympic spot for the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games,provided she meets the minimum TES (Technical Element Score) at Worlds.Nakai Ami’s 78.34 points comfortably exceed the 73.00 TES threshold.
- National Ranking Boost – Her performance moved her from third to first in the national point standings, granting her priority in the selection committee’s final decision.
- Team Dynamics – With senior skaters like Miyahara and Rika still recovering from injuries, Nakai’s momentum offers Japan a fresh, youth‑driven podium contender for the upcoming Olympic season.
Historical Context – Teen Sensations at Four Continents
- Mao Asada (2002) – First teenage Japanese skater to win the Four Continents title, establishing a pathway for youth success.
- Rika Kihira (2019) – Broke the 80‑point barrier in the short program at age 19, influencing technical standards for the next generation.
- nakai Ami (2026) – At 17, becomes the youngest Japanese woman to lead the short program at Four Continents, echoing Asada’s early breakthrough but with higher technical difficulty.
What This Means for the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Technical Edge – Nakai’s triple Lutz–triple toe loop combination is among the few cleanly executed by women this season,giving Japan a competitive advantage in the short program segment.
- Strategic placement – A strong short program score creates a buffer that allows for more artistic risk in the free skate without jeopardizing overall placement.
- Fan Engagement – Her social media following (>2 million on Instagram) amplifies broadcast ratings and sponsorship interest, boosting the visibility of the Japanese figure skating team at the Olympics.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring skaters
- Prioritize Edge Quality – Nakai’s GOE surge came from immaculate edge control on her Lutz and flip jumps.
- Balance difficulty and Consistency – Selecting a combination that can be landed cleanly under pressure maximizes scoring potential.
- Component growth – High program‑component scores require sustained training in skating skills,transitions,and musical interpretation,not just jumps.
- Mental Planning – Nakai credited visualization techniques and a pre‑competition routine that included breathing exercises and a brief meditation session.
Case Study – Training Regimen Behind the Score
- Weekly Structure:
- On‑ice sessions (5 days): 3 hours of jump technique, 2 hours of step sequences, 1 hour of program run‑throughs.
- Off‑ice conditioning (3 days): Plyometrics, core stability, and Pilates to enhance air position and landings.
- Performance Coaching (2 days): Ballet for line work, and acting workshops for emotional connection.
- Result: consistent execution of high‑level elements with minimal falls, reflected in a 97% clean‑jump rate during the 2025–2026 season leading up to Four Continents.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Nakai Ami’s short program at Four Continents is a benchmark for how teenage skaters can combine technical difficulty with artistic quality to secure Olympic spots.
- Japan’s selection policy now rewards short‑program leadership, making early-season competitions critical for Olympic hopefuls.
- Aspiring athletes can emulate her training balance, mental focus, and component emphasis to elevate their own competitive prospects.
