Ami Nakai: “I want to perform the perfect triple axel. My inspiration for this is Wakaba Higuchi’s triple axel it’s the standard I strive for.”
Ami Nakai Surprised by Her Short Program Score at the Grand Prix de France
original source: Sports by Maya Bagriantseva
Japanese figure skater Ami Nakai reflects on her career-best short program performance at the Grand Prix de France, expressing her shock and joy at leading the competition with a clean triple axel and a personal best scorez. Here’s a translation of her comments.
“When I graduated from junior to senior competitions, the thing I was most excited about was the chance to compete against the best skaters in the world. Now that it’s happening, I still can’t believe it,” Nakai said.
“With such strong competitors, it’s especially rewarding that I was able to deliver a clean performance today – and, of course, to have landed a clean triple axel. This is the highest score of my career, so I won’t hide it – I’m absolutely thrilled.
After finishing my skate, I felt happy, knowing I’d done everything well. But when I saw the score, I was in shock. I even started jumping for joy.”
Nakai also spoke about the music choice for her short program, La Strada by Nino Rota, which was selected for her by choreographer David Wilson. “He said this music suits the skater I’ve become today – it fits my age and my skating style. Of course, the fact that the Olympics are being held in Italy this year also played a part in the decision.”
She highlighted the influence of Daisuke Takahashi on her choreography and presentation. “Daisuke is a master, and I’m learning so much from him,” she said.
Reflecting on her efforts to perfect the triple axel, Nakai shared, “This summer, I worked a lot on improving the trajectory and takeoff of the triple axel. I want to perform the perfect triple axel. My inspiration for this is Wakaba Higuchi’s triple axel it’s the standard I strive for.”
Related topics: Ami Nakai, grand prix, Grand Prix de France
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