Japan’s Ami Nakai has emerged as the front-runner in women’s figure skating following her victory at Saatva Skate America.
Nakai secured the win with a total score of 236.81, the highest recorded this season, according to Yahoo Sports.
The performance allowed her to complete a sweep of her two Grand Prix regular season events.
Nakai finished 22.91 points ahead of Russian skater Alexandra Ignatova, who earned the silver medal.
The win officially qualifies Nakai for the Grand Prix Final scheduled for December.
This event will feature the top six skaters from the circuit, including potential challengers like Mao Shimada and Mone Chiba, as noted in official event results.
Nakai, who was a breakout star during the 2025-26 Olympic season, is now looking toward the next Olympic cycle.
Regarding her long-term goals, she expressed a desire to prepare with focus and determination.
“For the next Olympics, I have four years to prepare properly, so I want to spend those four years with determination and care,” she said, according to Nikkan Sports.
Her preparation is part of a broader theme she set for the season, which she described as sprinting through the next four years.
While Nakai leads the field, the status of American skaters remains uncertain for the upcoming Final.
Amber Glenn is currently participating in a television dance competition, while Isabeau Levito faces a critical test at the next Grand Prix event in Finland.
Fans can watch the upcoming competition live on Peacock, per NBC Sports.
As the season progresses, the international field continues to shift with the retirement of Kaori Sakamoto and the absence of Alysa Liu.
Nakai is now expected to face her toughest competition yet when she meets her teammates at the Grand Prix Final.
The event will serve as a definitive test for the young skater as she attempts to maintain her momentum.