Sakamoto is searching for an elusive gold at her final Winter Games, but faces a stiff challenge from a new generation of Japanese stars including Nakai and Mone Chiba. Japan’s Ami Nakai performs in the Winter Olympics women’s single skating short program in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday. Norways’ Tormod Frostad competes in the Winter Olympics men’s freeski big air final in Livigno, Italy, on Tuesday. Nakai punched the air in delight having nailed her elements, including a difficult three-and-a-half-rotation triple axel. On the speedskating track in Milan, Canada’s women won team pursuit gold, while Italy claimed victory in the men’s event.

Source: Taipei Times February 18, 2026 16:14 UTC