Japan Dominates Olympic Figure Skating, While US “Blade Angels” Struggle
Milan, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina witnessed a stunning upset in the women’s figure skating short program, as Japanese skaters Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto surged to the top, leaving the highly-touted American team, dubbed the “Blade Angels,” trailing behind. Nakai, a 17-year-old rising star, delivered a career-best performance, scoring 78.71 points with a powerful opening triple axel. Sakamoto, a three-time world champion and bronze medalist in the previous Winter Games, closely followed with 77.23 points.
A Shift in Power Dynamics
The strong showing by Nakai and Sakamoto signals a potential shift in the landscape of women’s figure skating. While the United States has traditionally been a powerhouse in the sport, Japan is rapidly emerging as a dominant force. Alysa Liu, representing the US, managed a respectable third place with 76.59 points, remaining within striking distance for a medal, but the performance of her teammates was less encouraging.
US Skaters Face Challenges
Isabeau Levito faced difficulties, losing a level on her step sequence and finishing eighth with 70.84 points. Although, the most significant setback came from three-time U.S. Champion Amber Glenn, whose medal hopes were severely impacted after a failed triple loop attempt. Glenn finished in 13th place with a score of 67.39 points, visibly emotional after her performance.
“I had it,” Glenn reportedly told her coach, Damon Allen, who responded with encouragement, stating, “It’s not over.”
Japan’s Potential for a Podium Sweep
With Mone Chiba securing fourth place with 74.00 points, Japan has three skaters positioned to contend for a podium sweep in Thursday’s free skate. This demonstrates the depth of talent within the Japanese team and their potential to replicate Germany’s recent success in two-man bobsled, where they achieved an Olympic sweep.
Beyond the Ice: Other Olympic Highlights
Germany’s Bobsled Dominance
Germany continued its reign in bobsled, achieving a complete sweep of the medals in the two-man event. Johannes Lochner led the charge, securing his first Olympic gold with a significant winning margin. The U.S. Team of Frank Del Duca and Josh Williamson finished fourth, falling short of challenging the German dominance.
Weather Disruptions and Unexpected Victories
The women’s snowboarding slopestyle final was postponed due to a heavy snowstorm in Livigno, delaying Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s attempt to defend her title. In speedskating, Italy’s men’s team pursuit team upset the world record-holders from the U.S., claiming gold. Canada secured its second consecutive Winter Games title in women’s team pursuit, while France achieved its first Olympic gold in men’s biathlon relay.
Norway’s Nordic Combined Success
Jens Luraas Oftebro of Norway added to his Olympic medal count, winning gold in the large hill ski jump and 10-kilometer ski race in Nordic combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who currently leads the women’s figure skating competition?
A: Ami Nakai of Japan leads after the short program.
Q: What happened to Amber Glenn during the short program?
A: She doubled a triple loop, invalidating the jump and significantly impacting her score.
Q: How many Japanese skaters are in contention for a medal?
A: Three – Ami Nakai, Kaori Sakamoto, and Mone Chiba.
Q: Was the women’s snowboarding slopestyle final held as scheduled?
A: No, it was postponed due to a snowstorm.
Did you understand? Germany has now achieved two Olympic sweeps in bobsled history, both in the two-man event.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the women’s free skate on Thursday, as the Japanese team is poised to make history.
Stay tuned for further updates from the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Explore our other articles for in-depth coverage of all the events and athletes.
