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Ami Nakai Wins Grand Prix France Debut as Japan Sweeps Women’s Podium

The 17-year-old posted a season-best 227.08 with a clean triple Axel, signaling Japan’s rising depth at the start of the Olympic run-up.

Overview

  • Ami Nakai won GP France in Angers with 227.08 points, topping the free skate with 149.08 to clinch her senior Grand Prix debut title.
  • Kaori Sakamoto finished second at 224.23 in her final competitive season, earning strong program components and cleanly executed jumps.
  • Rion Sumiyoshi placed third with 216.06, a personal-best total, marking her fourth straight bronze at the French Grand Prix.
  • Nakai led after the short program with a world-leading 78.00, landing a triple Axel and improving her SP best by nine points.
  • The Japanese sweep opens the 2025–26 Grand Prix season and follows similar podiums by Japan’s women at last season’s NHK Trophy and Skate Canada.