Ami Nakai: “From the time I started skating at age five, I wrote in my skater’s notebook almost every day. And in big letters, I wrote, “My dream for the future: to go to the Olympics!”

At 17, she grabbed her ticket to her dream. Ami Nakai, the Grand Prix Final silver medalist, secured her first appearance on the Olympic stage at the Milan-Cortina Games next February. In an exclusive essay she shared her gratitude and journey. Here’s a translation.

“When I was four, I watched Mao Asada’s performance at the Vancouver Olympics on TV and dreamed that I wanted to be like her.

From the time I started skating at age five, I wrote in my skater’s notebook almost every day. I still have those notebooks, and in them, in big letters, I wrote, “My dream for the future: to go to the Olympics!” and “Never give up – I want to go to the Olympics.”

Today, I was able to make that dream come true, and I am truly happy.

My elementary school days in Niigata are my foundation. I had truly kind friends and very caring teachers. I was blessed with wonderful people.

I remember well when I was in sixth grade. Right before the Japanese Novice Championships, I was told to sit at the front during the end-of-day meeting, and my classmates brought out a big flag. It was covered with messages of encouragement like “Aim for No. 1” and “Do your best toward your dream.” That made me so happy, and I still have it displayed at home. It’s my best memory and still a source of energy for me.

The coaches at Ibis SC, where I started figure skating, are also irreplaceable to me. It was very hard to leave the club, and they told me they wished I would stay. Even so, they respected my decision and gently encouraged me, saying, “Enjoy yourself and try anything.” I feel that those words are still connected to who I am today.

When I first moved away, I was anxious and very lonely not being able to see everyone. But it was a great comfort to have friends who always encouraged me with messages and treated me the same when I returned home.

And my mother, who came with me to Chiba, leaving my older sister and father behind. When I was in sixth grade and said, “I don’t think I can stay like this,” she found MF Academy as a new place for me. No matter what, she always says, “If it’s something you want to do, I’ll support you with everything I have,” and pushes me forward.

Since coming here and growing up, I’ve come to understand even more how hard things are for my mom. She waits for me to finish practice late every night and brings me delicious homemade lunches. She’s always been my closest supporter, and I can only say thank you to her.

To Coach Nakaniwa and all the coaches, everyone at MF Academy, and my sponsors I don’t think I could have come this far on my own. I want to thank everyone who has supported me.

Thank you so much! (2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic representative)”