Japanese teenager Ami Nakai dominated the women's short program at Milan-Cortina 2026, posting a season-best score of 78.71 to lead the field. The 17-year-old took advantage of errors by American favorites, with reigning world champion Alysa Liu settling for third after losing points on her triple lutz.

Nakai's compatriots Kaori Sakamoto and Mone Chiba filled the second and fourth positions respectively, showcasing Japan's strength in the discipline. American champion Amber Glenn suffered a disastrous performance, missing her triple loop entirely and scoring zero points for the element, leaving her 13th and out of medal contention.

Russian national champion Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, sits fifth with a season-best 72.89. The 18-year-old, trained by controversial coach Eteri Tutberidze, delivered a spotless routine to a Michael Jackson medley that lived up to pre-Games hype. Meanwhile, Team GB's Kristen Spours completed her Olympic farewell in 29th place, marking her final competition before retirement following back surgery last year.