Action in Angers: Top stars stood their ground and newcomers shone as the Grand Prix de France, the first ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event of the Olympic season, kicked off Friday with an exciting Women’s Short Program in Angers (FRA). Japan’s Ami Nakai stormed to the lead ahead of three-time World Champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan and 2024 World silver medalist Isabeau Levito (USA).

Nakai surprised everyone in her first ISU senior Grand Prix, hitting a triple Axel and triple Lutz-triple toe combination in her routine to “La Strada” to post a huge personal best score of 78.00 points taking her to first place. 

Ami Nakai (JPN) leads in the Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Angers (FRA) © ISU

“Having moved up from juniors to seniors, I was looking forward to skating with many great skaters on this very big stage,” Nakai said. 

“Today I was able to skate a clean Short Program, land my triple Axel and exceed my personal best. After I finished my performance, I was very happy. I was not surprised with how I did, but when my score came up I was so happy that I jumped up,” she added.

Nino Rota's music from the famous Italian Fellini movie provided the perfect backdrop to her performance and was carefully chosen to nod to a certain upcoming important event.  

“My choreographer David Wilson chose the music for my Short Program. He told me that it was music that matched me very well and he also said that he chose it because the Olympic Games are held in Italy,” Nakai explained.

Performing to “Time to Say Goodbye”, Sakamoto delivered a season's best performance that was highlighted by a triple flip-triple toe combination, triple Lutz and expressive footwork. The 2022 Olympic bronze medalist scored 76.20 points. 

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

“Six years ago, my experience at the Grand Prix in France was a bitter one,” Sakamoto recalled, who placed fourth at the time. “Today coming back to the Grand Prix de France I was a bit nervous, tight even. During my performance, there were some moments where I came close to making a mistake. Nevertheless, I still got a very high score of 76 points and I am pretty pleased with it.

“My music was chosen by choreographer Benoit Richaud,” Sakamoto continued. “I had only one choice, but there were two versions. One was English and the other one was English and Italian. We went for the Italian/English version (with the Olympic Games being in Italy).”

Levito produced a triple flip-triple toe combination, triple loop and two level-four spins in her performance to music from Sophia Loren movies “The Houseboat” and “The Millionaires”. The 2024 World silver medalist achieved a season's best of 73.37 points.

Isabeau Levito (USA) in the Women’s Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Angers, France © ISU

“I had a very good experience here two years ago, not just because of winning, but I'm very fond of this arena,” Levito shared, who won this Grand Prix event in 2023. “The area is really cute here, so I was very excited to come back to Angers in particular, and I skated pretty well today, so I'm very happy.”

Levito chose her music with Milan on her mind as well. “A lot of people last year told me to please keep Breakfast at Tiffany's, because I didn't get to compete as much, and a lot of people loved the theme. Movie stars are so elegant. 

“I feel like this year's short program is a similar movie star style, but so much more fitting for the Olympic year, especially being in Milan. Given that it's sung by Sophia Loren - and she's Italian, and such a diva, and it feels so sultry - I love performing it.”

Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) remains close to the podium with another strong performance (71.03 points). ISU Four Continents Champion Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) fell on a triple flip to come sixth at 62.24 points. 

The Women’s event concludes with the Free Skating on Saturday. 

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