Italian skaters shine in Olympic test event as Lara Naki Gutmann leads women’s short program; Isabeau Levito sits second

Italian Figure Skaters Shine at Road to 26 Trophy Test Event

Italian figure skaters are getting a taste of what’s to come at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. This week,they’re taking to the ice at the prestigious Road to 26 Trophy,a test event for the Games held at the milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago. The arena will host figure skating competitions next year, providing an invaluable possibility for italian skaters to gauge their readiness on home ice.

Gutmann Leads the Way in Women’s short Program

Lara Naki Gutmann of Italy delivered a captivating performance in the women’s short program, earning a score of 67.61 and claiming the lead with a clean skate that included a solid triple toeloop-triple toeloop combination.The competition was fierce, featuring world silver medalist Isabeau Levito of the United States and European champion Niina Petrokina of Estonia.

“I felt – in the six minute (warm up) also – going on the ice, there was a lot of cheering and noise, it gave me more power and made me happy,” Gutmann shared, reflecting on the energy of the home crowd. “It was notable to start the program with a positive mind. It’s realy nice to skate here,and thinking that in one year there’s going to be the Olympics here,it’s crazy. I’ll work to be there next year.”

Levito Returns to Competition with Positivity

Levito, who is recovering from injury, showcased resilience and determination in her return to competition. Even though an unclear edge call on her triple Lutz impacted her score, she was pleased with her overall performance, which included a triple flip-double toeloop combination.

“I haven’t competed in so long it felt like I forgot how to,” Levito admitted. “Sence it was my right foot, and I wasn’t able to do any type of cross training that kept me strong, the whole leg was weak and still now I feel like my right foot is weaker than the other. But I’m on the right track, I’m injury-free, and every day there’s more progress.

“When signing me up for this competition here, [US Figure Skating] said ‘you don’t need to do triple-triples here’ knowing I had only started jumping three or some weeks before. I hoped I coudl maybe try to put one in the short, but it wasn’t consistent enough in practice. But it’s good,at least I skated well.”

Serna Rebounds with Strong Performance

Léa Serna of France made a strong comeback in the competition after a disappointing 11th-place finish at the European championships.With a score of 64.31, she sits in third place, expressing satisfaction with her performance and calling it her “revenge for Europeans.”

Petrokina and Yoshida Struggle, Top Favorites Fall Short

Petrokina and Yoshida, considered favorites to excel in Assago, encountered difficulties in their programs. Petrokina’s score was affected by a downgraded double toeloop and an invalid double flip element, while Yoshida fell on a triple Lutz and popped a toeloop, resulting in a considerably lower score.

Ghilardi and Ambrosini Lead in Pairs Short Program

The Italian pairs team of Rebecca Ghilardi and Filippo Ambrosini overcame a fall on their double Axel to take the lead in the pairs short program with a score of 62.58. Their performance sets the stage for a potential home-ice victory next year at the Olympic Games.

Looking Ahead to the Olympics

The Road to 26 Trophy provided invaluable experience and insight into the challenges and opportunities that await the skaters at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.As the Italian skaters continue to hone their skills and prepare for the big stage, the excitement for next year’s Games continues to build.

How does Lara Naki Gutmann’s performance at the Road to 26 Trophy, a test event for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter games, bode for her future success in the upcoming Olympics?

Skating to Success: An Interview with Lara Naki Gutmann

Archyde’s Figure Skating Correspondent recently caught up with Italian sensation Lara Naki Gutmann, fresh off her extraordinary performance at the Road to 26 Trophy, a test event for the Milano cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Gutmann on Top in Women’s Short Program

You delivered a brilliant performance in the women’s short program, topping the podium with a score of 67.61. How does it feel to lead the pack, especially on home ice?

“It feels amazing! I mean, skating in front of a home crowd gives you an extra boost of energy. The support from the fans really pushed me to deliver my best. knowing that I’ll have the chance to compete here again next year at the Olympics is just incredible. I’m so grateful for this possibility and I’m steadfast to make the most of it.”

Gutmann on Preparing for the Olympic Stage

the Road to 26 Trophy serves as a dry run for the Games. How have you found the experience, and how is it helping you prepare for 2026?

“It’s been such a valuable experience. I’ve learned so much about the venue, the ice, and the way the events will be structured next year. I could really feel the potential of the arena,and it’s helped me visualize what it will be like skating here at the Olympics. I now have a clearer idea of how to approach my training leading up to the Games.”

Gutmann on Standing Out in a Competitive Field

You were up against some tough competition,including world silver medalist Isabeau Levito and european champion Niina Petrokina. How did you approach this competition knowing the high caliber of skaters involved?

“I tried not to focus to much on the other skaters. Instead,I focused on giving my best performance. I’ve been working so hard on my skills, and I wanted to show that on the ice.having such incredible skaters here also pushes me to elevate my game. I’m excited for the challenge of competing alongside them in the future.”

Gutmann on the Future of Italian Figure Skating

The Italian figure skating community is buzzing with excitement after your performance. What message would you like to send to all the young skaters looking up to you?

“I’d say, keep pushing, keep dreaming big, and never give up. It’s been a long journey for me, and there are always ups and downs. But if you truly love what you’re doing, it’s all worth it in the end. I’m so proud to be a part of the Italian skating community, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.”

Will Gutmann’s strong showing at the Road to 26 Trophy translate into Olympic success? Share your thoughts in the comments below.