What a start for Japan’s Ami Nakai: The newcomer came, saw and conquered at the Grand Prix de France, and led the Japanese women to a podium sweep in Angers on Saturday.  

Ami Nakai (JPN) strikes gold in senior Grand Prix debut

Japan’s Ami Nakai burst on to the international senior scene and came out victorious, as the women lit up the ice with their spectacular performances at the Angers Ice Parc. Nakai rose above her teammates, three-time World Champion Kaori Sakamoto and Rion Sumiyoshi.

Ami Nakai (JPN) wins the Women's Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Angers, France © ISU

Overnight leader Nakai opened her performance to “What a Wonderful World” with a slightly flawed triple Axel and went on to reel off seven triple jumps, difficult spins and footwork. The 17-year-old smashed her personal best with 149.08 points for the Free Skating and totaled 227.08 points. 

“I came here aiming for a podium, so when I saw the score and realized I was first, my brain froze and stopped working and then the tears came flowing,” Nakai said. “My coach was sitting beside me and patted my back and then I realized everything that was going on.

“I never thought I would be able to win, so am happy about the result,” she continued. “But I want to make sure it will not put pressure on me. I want to enjoy myself and prepare for the next event.” 

Nakai is headed next to Skate Canada in two weeks and with 15 points from her win in Angers has a very good chance to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final. 

Sakamoto sparkled in her expressive program to the Edith Piaf songs “Hymne a l’amour” and “Je ne regrette rien” – a choice of music that the French audience truly appreciated. The three-time ISU World Champion reeled off seven triple jumps, but lost a few points in her spins to score a season’s best of 148.03 points and 224.23 points overall. 

Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) in the Women’s Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Angers, France © ISU

The Japanese Champion has been competing on the ISU Grand Prix series since 2017 and the silver in Angers is her 12^th medal on the circuit.

“Every event that I came second feels had a big significance,” Sakamoto commented. “This event itself was significant for me – there are a lot of things to take as a lesson and to grow. I am not going to leave it at this, and I plan to get better and better throughout the season.”

One thing the Japanese star wants to improve is her speed. “I felt in both the Short Program and Free Skating I was not able to get the speed I am used to, and the flow of my jumps was missing,” the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist explained. 

Skating to “Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary”, Sumiyoshi went for a quadruple toeloop, which she landed, but it was under-rotated. The 22-year-old from Tokyo completed six triples and moved up from fourth place to claim her fourth consecutive bronze medal at the Grand Prix de France with a personal best in the Free Skating (145.03) and overall (216.06 points). 

Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) in the Women’s Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Angers, France © ISU

“It is a bit disappointing,” Sumiyoshi admitted. “I was aiming for a higher placement, so there is a bit of frustration. As for the performance and scores, I was happy with how I did. It's a positive frustration compared to the previous events. 

“Each year, coming third in this competition, my scores are getting higher so I know I need to improve on some things.”

The 2024 World silver medalist Isabeau Levito (USA) turned in a delightful performance to “Cinema Paradiso”, but she stumbled on her triple flip-triple toe combination and slipped to fourth place at 212.71 points. Lorine Schild (FRA) came fifth with a new personal best performance on 189.31 points. ISU Four Continents Champion Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) remained in sixth place on 187.59 points. 

Where to Watch

Follow the Where to Watch News here.

Connect with the world of ice skating through the brand new ISU App.

ISU Grand Prix Standings

Check out who is on their way to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final (data will become available after the conclusion of the first event):

Men        Women        Pairs        Ice Dance

For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.