“My main goal is to enjoy myself and finish with a smile. I want to enjoy this Olympic stage first, and I hope the results will follow” Ami Nakai on her upcoming Olympic debut
Ami Nakai who will make her Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina Games, expressing excitement and determination after a successful official practice and aiming to enjoy her first Olympics.
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. 12th January 2026
Official practice for the women’s event was held, and 17-year-old Ami Nakai, making her Olympic debut, took to the competition rink for her first practice. During the run-through, she landed a triple axel. Here’s a translation of her comments.
After practice, she smiled and said, “It was fun, and my axel felt really good. I’m 90% excited and looking forward to it, and 10% nervous.”
Figure skating began with the team event on the 6th. In the women’s event, ace Kaori Sakamoto competed in both the short program and free skate, contributing to Japan’s silver medal. Nakai, still in Japan at the time, watched the broadcast after practice, saying, “sat upright while watching.” She supported the team from home, feeling nervous.
Inspired by the strong performances of the Japanese skaters, she said, “Everyone skated so well, it gave me courage. I want to shine on that stage too.” Nakai arrived in Milan on the 10th and joined the training camp in nearby Varese.
“(Sakamoto) gave me a big hug, which made me really happy and gave me a sense of relief.” Before leaving Japan, Sakamoto, a three-time Olympian, sent Nakai a “packing list.” Nakai said, “Kaori-chan said she brings a body pillow, so I brought a pillow too,” taking her senior’s advice to heart.
The women’s SP will be held on the 17th, marking Nakai’s Olympic debut. She will aim to become the fourth Japanese woman to land a triple axel at the Olympics and the youngest Japanese female medalist. Inspired by watching Mao Asada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Nakai began figure skating. Now, at 17, standing on her dream stage, she said calmly, “My main goal is to enjoy myself and finish with a smile. I want to enjoy this Olympic stage first, and I hope the results will follow.”
Related topics: Ami Nakai, Olympic Games
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