Ami Nakai: “At one point, I became afraid to compete. I really felt the expectations from those around me.”
Ami Nakai, who won bronze in her Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina Games, expressed gratitude and joy at becoming Japan’s youngest figure skating medalist, reflecting on her journey and the importance of enjoying the sport.
original source: Nikkansports 24th February 2026 by Katsube Kota
Ami Nakai (17) who won bronze in women’s figure skating in her first Olympic appearance, attended a press conference at a Tokyo hotel. She expressed her gratitude for the dream stage and her joy at becoming the youngest Japanese figure skating medalist. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
“From the start of the season, I never thought I’d make it here, so I’m truly happy to have this medal around my neck. It’s all thanks to everyone’s support.”
“I tried not to forget the importance of having fun.” Although she kept saying she wasn’t nervous at the Olympics, there were times when she felt overwhelmed. “I became afraid to compete.” Under the pressure of the national team selection, she even felt like running away at the Grand Prix Final last December, which served as a prelude to the Games: “I really felt the expectations from those around me.”
What saved her was her unwavering love for skating. During the off-season, she set up weekly meetings with Coach Nakaniwa, her mentor since junior high. Through honest conversations about her true feelings – “This is what I want to do” – she stopped worrying about winning or losing. When nerves threatened to take over, she would tell herself, “This isn’t the usual me,” and calm herself with a routine of tapping her Wish Me Mell tissue case.
At the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps, her position and expectations will be different. “Just as I learned this time, I want to remember not to lose the joy.” What she gained was more than just a medal or popularity. The experience of her first dream stage will be a precious asset for the future.
Related topics: Ami Nakai, Olympic Games
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