Ami Nakai Upsets World Champion in Grand Prix Debut Sweep for Japan

BREAKING: In a stunning upset at the Grand Prix de France, Ami Nakai has triumphed over three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, leading a remarkable podium sweep for Japan in women’s figure skating. This defining moment occurred on November 4, 2023, in Angers, France, during Nakai’s first senior Grand Prix competition.
Nakai’s performance captivated the audience as she achieved a personal best score of 149.08 in the free skate, pushing her overall score to 227.08. Upon receiving her score, Nakai was visibly shocked, covering her mouth in disbelief. “Never did I think that I would be able to win, but I won this debut Grand Prix event, so I’m just elated,” she expressed through an interpreter after her routine, which featured the only triple axel attempt in the event, despite a hand down on the landing.
Sakamoto, who has dominated the sport in recent years, finished in second place with a score of 224.23 after experiencing rare mistakes in her spins. Meanwhile, Rion Sumiyoshi secured the bronze medal with a score of 216.06, overcoming Isabeau Levito of the United States in the free skate.
In the ice dance segment, British duo Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson led the competition with a score of 84.38 for their Spice Girls rhythm dance. Lithuania’s Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius placed second with 80.98, while 2022 Olympic champion Guillaume Cizeron fell during his performance with new partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry, but still managed to secure third place with 78.
The ice dance event will conclude on Sunday, with the stakes high as world champion Ilia Malinin of the United States prepares to begin his Grand Prix campaign later today in the men’s short program. The pairs free skate is also set for later today, where world champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara currently lead after the short program.
This Grand Prix de France marks the first of six regular season Grand Prix events culminating in a final this December. It serves as a critical proving ground for skaters eyeing medals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2024.
Stay tuned for further updates as the competition continues to unfold!