Today, February 19, 2026, the
world’s attention turns to the Milano Ice Skating Arena for the most
anticipated event of the Games: the Women’s Single Free Skating final.
Following a high-stakes short
program on Tuesday, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown between a breakout
teenage sensation, a seasoned veteran on the verge of retirement, and a former
world champion looking for redemption.
2026 Winter Olympics: Women’s Free Skating Preview
The Standings: A Razor-Thin Margin
Heading into the free skate, Japan’s
Ami Nakai holds a slim lead after an electrifying short program. The
17-year-old debutant stunned the field by landing a clean triple Axel, proving
that the next generation of skaters has arrived under the ISU’s new age
eligibility rules.
However, the competition is far from
over. Here is how the top of the leaderboard looks:
|
Rank |
Skater |
Country |
Short Program Score |
|
1 |
Ami Nakai |
Japan |
78.71 |
|
2 |
Kaori Sakamoto |
Japan |
77.23 |
|
3 |
Alysa Liu |
USA |
76.59 |
|
4 |
Mone Chiba |
Japan |
74.00 |
|
5 |
Adeliia Petrosian |
AIN |
72.89 |
The Storylines to Watch
- Sakamoto’s Final Bow:
Three-time World Champion Kaori Sakamoto has signaled that this
will be her final competitive season. Known for her immense power and
speed, she is looking to add an individual Olympic gold to her legendary
resume before retiring.
- The American Hope:
Alysa Liu sits in third, well within striking distance. After a
brief retirement and a triumphant return to the sport, Liu's consistency
and artistic maturity have made her the USA’s best hope for gold since the
1990s.
- The Quad Factor:
Sitting in fifth, Adeliia Petrosian is the "X-factor" of
the night. Rumors from the practice rink suggest she may attempt two
quadruple jumps. If landed, she could leapfrog the entire field, despite
her current deficit.
Technical Demands
The free skate requires seven jump
elements, including at least one Axel-type jump. With the pressure of the
Olympic podium on the line, the battle will likely come down to who can
maintain composure during the grueling 4-minute-and-10-second program.

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