Ami Nakai: “One dream has come true, so next I want not just to compete at the Olympics, but to achieve real results. I want to train so I can win a medal.”
Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai secured her first Olympic spot with a fourth-place finish at the Japanese Nationals.
original source: Nikkansports 22nd. December 2025 by Katsube Kota / Hochi News dd. 21st December 2025
Ami Nakai finished fourth at the Japanese Nationals, reflecting on her nerves and growth as she secured her first Olympic team spot after a breakthrough senior debut season. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
In her post-competition interview, Nakai said, “I was more nervous than ever before. I could really feel the nerves and the pressure. I failed the axel, but I think being able to pull myself together and finish was a sign of growth.” She added, “(Coach Kensuke Nakaniwa) told me, ‘You’ve come this far,’ and I feel the same. He encouraged me to show what I’ve worked on. I couldn’t fully deliver, but I hope I was able to live up to his words, even a little.”
Regarding the Olympics, she said, “At first, I wasn’t thinking about it. But after finishing Nationals and understanding my position, I felt the pressure. Still, I came back stronger than last year. I’m glad I tried to overcome more pressure than ever before, and I hope it leads to next year. The odds were good, but the nerves and anxiety led to that mistake. I think practicing the triple axel under pressure is important,” she said with determination.
“I’m incredibly happy to have secured a place at the Olympics. I received so many congratulations, and my father and older sister came to watch. They congratulated me in person,” she said, still in a dreamlike state.
Looking ahead to her Olympic debut, she said energetically, “One dream has come true, so next I want not just to compete at the Olympics, but to achieve real results. I want to train so I can win a medal.”
She plans to gain further experience at the Four Continents Championships in Beijing next month.
Related topics: Ami Nakai, Olympic Games
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