Figure skater Ami Nakai claims back-to-back titles with comeback win

Ami Nakai overcame adversity to win the title for a second straight year with a comeback victory. After the competition, fans posted comments such as “She’s a real star” and “She reminds me of Miihi-chan,” drawing attention to her presence.

Nakai said of her mindset on the day of the free skate, “For the first time...” Her words suggest she performed in a situation different from usual. Even so, she rebuilt her program to the end and moved up the standings, which marks the defining feature of this result.

Figure skating decides rankings by the combined score of the short program (SP) and free skating (FS). Even a weak start in the SP can be overturned with strong scores in the FS. For that reason, the performance in the second half largely determines the outcome.

A “back-to-back” title means winning the same competition two years in a row. As the defending champion, a skater faces heightened expectations and wariness from rivals, which adds significant mental pressure. Delivering results under those conditions shows stability both technically and mentally.

Scores are divided into two categories: technical element score and program component score (PCS). The technical score is determined by the base value of each element and its execution, while PCS is judged comprehensively on factors such as connection with the music, composition of the program and the quality of skating.

Jumps are the central element of the technical score. Higher-difficulty jumps have higher base values, and bonuses or deductions are applied depending on the quality of the landing. A fall results in a major loss of points, so the precision of each jump directly affects the outcome.

A comeback victory depends on whether a skater can recover in the second half. Completing her free skate without being bound by the results of the first half is evidence of consistency throughout the season.

Going forward, attention will focus on how this win will affect the rest of the season and her next competitions. How she applies her recovery from adversity to her next performances will also be a useful reference for judging her career ahead.