Triple Axel lady Ami Nakai led the Japanese women to a sweep of the Short Program as the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2026 opened in Beijing (CHN) Thursday. As scores are close, the Free Skating will be the decisive battle for the medals. 

Ami Nakai (JPN) hits her triple Axel 

ISU Grand Prix Final silver medalist Ami Nakai (pictured) of Japan hit her triple Axel to take the lead ahead of teammates Yuna Aoki and Mone Chiba.

Ami Nakai (JPN) on her way to first place in the women's Short Program at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Beijing, China © ISU

Newcomer Nakai continued her rise with another great performance of her “La Strada” program that featured not only a little shaky triple Axel but also a triple Lutz-triple toe and triple loop, as well as two level-four spins. The Grand Prix de France champion scored 73.83 points.

“I was under pressure, however, I was able to do a good practice and perform well,” the 17-year-old shared. “Tomorrow I’d like to land the triple Axel and the other jumps without any mistake. Overall, I am happy I am able to go into the Free Skating with a first place.

“For me this competition is about getting the momentum for the Olympics,” she explained. “In the Short Program I was able to do exactly that and ride the wave leading up to the Olympics. I want to do the same for the Free Skating tomorrow and put out a good performance. I want to make that performance something that I would be excited about going into the Olympics.”

Aoki proved the depth of the Japanese team with her elegant performance to “Adios Nonino” by Astor Piazzolla. The 24-year-old Four Continents debutant landed a rarely seen triple Lutz-triple loop combination, a double Axel and triple flip to achieve a personal best score of 71.41 points. 

Japan's Yuna Aoki in women's Short Program action at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Beijing, China © ISU

“In today’s Short Program, I was able to stay focused and calm as in training and had the same quality as in my training, so I was pleased with that,” Aoki said. “A month ago I could not imagine to be here and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I want to enjoy this competition and I want to enjoy my free skating.”

The 2024 ISU Four Continents champion Chiba came in determined to show that she is a top contender not only at this event but also for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Skating to “Last Dance” by Donna Summer, she started with a triple flip-triple toe combination and double Axel but fell on the triple Lutz. The 2025 ISU world bronze medalist scored well for her excellent spins and footwork to come third at 68.07 points. 

Mone Chiba (JPN) makes it a sweep for Japan of the top three places after the women's Short Program in Beijing, China © ISU

“I’m disappointed about the fall on the Lutz,” Chiba admitted. “During my six-minute warm-up the combo jumps were a little iffy, but in the performance today I was able to focus and manage to land the combo, so I’m happy about that. 

“Going into the Free Program I would like to refocus on my performance and put out a good performance and land each jump carefully,” she added.

The 2017 ISU world bronze medalist Gabrielle Daleman (CAN), who has not competed internationally since 2002 due to injuries, started an impressive comeback in Beijing. She currently sits in fourth with a strong performance of her “El Tango de Roxanne” and remains within striking distance of the podium at 67.69 points. 

Gabrielle Daleman (CAN): in fourth place after the women's Short Program at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Beijing, China © ISU

The ISU Four Continents bronze medalist Sarah Everhardt (USA) follows in fifth on 67.51 points, while 2023 ISU Four Continents champion Haein Lee (KOR) is currently ranked sixth (67.06 points). The 2025 ISU Four Continents silver medalist Bradie Tennell (USA) in seventh is still in medal contention as well, on 66.16 points. 

What and when 

The schedule of the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2026 is as follows:

Thursday, January 22: Women’s Short Program, Rhythm Dance, Pairs Short Program
 Friday, January 23: Free Dance & Women’s Short Program 
 Saturday, January 24: Men’s Short Program & Pairs Free Skating
 Sunday, January 25: Men’s Free Skating & Exhibition Gala

For more information, full entry lists and results, visit the ISU event page of the ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships 2026. Find comments of the skaters and the press conference highlights on the ISU event website in the “For Media” section. For more information also see the Facts & Figures.

Follow the discussion on social media using #4ContsFigure and #FigureSkating. 

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