Figure Skating-'Not here for medals', Nakai says after leading Japanese charge at Olympics

MILAN, Feb 17 : Ami Nakai entered her first Olympics insisting she was not here for medals — but after the short programme at the Milano Cortina Games, the 17‑year‑old figure skater found herself at the top, ahead of national icon Kaori Sakamoto and rising star Mone Chiba. 

Japan finished first, second, and fourth on Tuesday, cementing a formidable presence heading into the free skate on Thursday. American Alysa Liu finished third. 

Nakai's clean, confident skate was anchored by a soaring triple Axel. She approached the moment with an ease unusual for an Olympic debut. 

"I'm not here at this Olympics with the goal of achieving a high result, I'm really looking forward to enjoying this Olympics as much as I can, till the very last moment," she said. 

"Since this is my first Olympics, I had nothing to lose, and that mindset definitely translated into my results," she said. 

Her carefree confidence has unexpectedly put her in medal contention, though she cannot imagine herself surpassing Sakamoto, the three‑time world champion who is skating the final chapter of her competitive career. Nakai scored 78.71 points in the short programme, ahead of Sakamoto's 77.23.

"There's no way I stand a chance against Kaori right now," Nakai said. "I'm just enjoying these Olympics and trying my best." 

Sakamoto, 25, who has said she will retire after these Games, is chasing the one accolade missing from her resume: Olympic gold.

Having already secured a bronze in Beijing in 2022 and team silvers in both Beijing and Milan, she now aims to cap her career with an individual title.

She delivered a polished short programme to "Time to Say Goodbye," earning a standing ovation.

Sakamoto later said she managed her nerves well and felt satisfied, adding that