“Rinka said, ‘I know Ami will perform well, so hold your head high.’ Thanks to the fun and lighthearted atmosphere leading up to this moment, I’m more excited than nervous,” Ami Nakai on her Grand Prix debut
Ami Nakai expresses gratitude for mentorship and confidence as she prepares for her senior Grand Prix debut, aiming to make her mark on the international figure skating stage.
original source: Nikkansports, October 16th, 2025 by Matsumoto Wataru, correspondent Matsumoto Aika
Ami Nakai, 17, is set to make her senior Grand Prix Series debut and expressed her gratitude for the support and encouragement she received from her senior peers. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
On October 16, she took part in a pre-competition practice session at the Ice Park, fine-tuning her performance ahead of the short program (SP). She repeatedly attempted the triple axel, a key element of her routine, and gained a better sense of timing by the end of the session. Reflecting on her progress, she said, “My condition has improved significantly compared to yesterday. I was able to practice most of my jumps without major mistakes, aside from the triple axel. The axel feels like the entire jump is taking flight now, so as long as I nail the takeoff, I think I can land it.”
Nakai has already built a solid competitive track record, earning bronze medals at the World Junior Championships and the Junior Grand Prix Final. This season marks her first year in the senior category, with a key focus on qualifying for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026. She confessed that before departing from Japan, her strong training condition made her anxious, worrying, “What will I do if this state of readiness falls apart?”
However, a message from her mentor and training partner, Rinka Watanabe, 23, helped ease her concerns. Watanabe reassured her, saying, “I know Ami will perform well, so hold your head high.” Grateful for the support, Nakai added, “Now, I’m confidently holding my head up high.”
As she approaches this significant milestone, Nakai is embracing the opportunity with enthusiasm. “Thanks to the fun and lighthearted atmosphere leading up to this moment, I’m more excited than nervous,” she stated with a bright outlook for her Grand Prix debut.
Related topics: Ami Nakai, grand prix, Grand Prix de France, Rinka Watanabe
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