Winning performance from Japan's Ami Nakai
With the International Skating Union raising the minimum age for figure skating competitors from 15 to 17, it seemed like the era of Olympic child champions might be over.
Ami Nakai had other ideas. On Tuesday night, the 17-year-old - the youngest competitor in the women's event - stormed to the top after the short program.
It throws a firecracker into what was already one of the most fascinating competitions at Milan-Cortina 2026 and sets the free skate - where the medals will be decided - up as must-see.
Because of her age, Nakai is a debutant on the world tour this year. While she is highly rated in figure skating circles, she did not have the public profile of the other medal contenders.
