Japan Leads Women's Short Program at Milan-Cortina 2026
Japan showcased a dominant performance in the women's figure skating short program at Milan-Cortina 2026, with their skaters securing three of the top four positions. Ami Nakai, aged 17, claimed the top spot with a season-best score of 78.71 points.
Following Nakai is three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, while Mone Chiba, who earned bronze at last year's World Championships, is placed fourth. The Japanese skaters capitalized on mistakes made by the favored American competitors.
Reigning world champion Alysa Liu secured third place despite some errors, while Amber Glenn fell significantly behind in the rankings. Liu, known for her distinctive halo hairstyle and lip piercing, received enthusiastic applause from the audience, including fellow skater Ilia Malinin and rap artist Snoop Dogg.
However, Liu lost points on her triple lutz due to under-rotation, landing on the quarter and missing full rotation by 90 degrees. Glenn experienced a major setback by missing her triple loop, which was scored as an invalid element, resulting in zero points for that jump.
Glenn, 26, was visibly emotional and in tears upon leaving the rink. Currently ranked 13th, she recognizes that her chances for a medal have ended.
Adeliia Petrosian, the Russian national champion competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN), holds fifth place. Meanwhile, Team GB's Kristen Spours, skating in her final competition before retirement due to injury, finished 29th and did not qualify for the free skate, as only the top 24 advance to the medal-deciding segment on Thursday evening.
Ami Nikai will skate last among the 24 contenders in the free skate scheduled for Thursday evening.
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Russian Champion Petrosian Meets Expectations
Adeliia Petrosian performed second among the 29 competitors in the women's short program.
To date, no AIN representatives, who come from countries banned from competing officially at the 2026 Olympics, have secured a medal. Petrosian, 18, the Russian national champion, is considered the strongest contender to change this trend.
She trains under the guidance of Eteri Tutberidze, a controversial coach known for mentoring Kamila Valieva at the previous Olympics and contributing to Georgia's first-ever Winter Olympic medal with a pairs silver medal recently. Tutberidze was not listed as Petrosian's coach on the official start list; Petrosian was accompanied only by listed coach Daniil Gleikhengauz during scoring.
Wearing a sparkling red jacket and black trousers, Petrosian had strong fan support in Milan, with spectators displaying banners featuring her image. However, her introduction was met with some boos, an uncommon reaction in figure skating events.
Due to the International Skating Union's ban on Russian athletes, Petrosian has been unable to compete internationally, making this her first global stage appearance. Performing to a Michael Jackson medley, she delivered a flawless routine featuring an excellent triple flip and toe loop, earning a season-best score of 72.89 points.
At the conclusion of her performance, fans expressed their appreciation by throwing soft toys onto the ice. One of the Michael Jackson songs performed was "They Don't Care About Us," which may have been a pointed choice considering the attention surrounding her participation in these Games.
Spours Concludes Olympic Career
Kristen Spours, who won two British Championships and achieved a best finish of ninth at the European Championships, made her Olympic farewell.
For much of the previous year, it appeared unlikely that Spours would compete at these Games. The 25-year-old underwent surgery for a disc herniation in June and announced a break in September to focus on her physical and mental health.
This hiatus helped her rediscover her passion for skating, allowing her to perform one final time before retiring. However, her injury prevented her from executing a double axel, a key element of the short program, as it requires pressure on her left leg, which she could not apply without risking further injury.
Spours admitted to feeling nervous before the event, which contributed to an early mistake on her loop element.
"I'm a little bit disappointed with my mistake on the day," she said. "That is usually something that I can do in my sleep but it happens. I was more nervous today than I was coming into the team event so I'm happy."
Despite the error, she entered the rink smiling and gave a peace sign to the camera. After scoring 45.54 points, she can retire from figure skating with pride.
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