Two more figure skaters have etched their names into Olympic history by landing the triple Axel at Milano Cortina 2026.
Japan's Nakai Ami and America's Amber Glenn have joined the exclusive club of women who have successfully executed one of figure skating's most challenging jumps on the Olympic stage. The triple Axel, which requires three-and-a-half rotations in the air, has long been considered a benchmark of technical excellence in women's figure skating.
The jump's difficulty stems from its forward takeoff, unlike other triple jumps that launch from a backward position. This makes it particularly challenging to generate the necessary rotation and height while maintaining control. For decades, only a handful of women have attempted it at the Olympics, making each successful landing a significant achievement in the sport's history.
Historic Achievement at Milano Cortina 2026
Both skaters demonstrated exceptional technical prowess by landing the demanding element during their Olympic performances. Nakai and Glenn now join a select group of women who have successfully completed the triple Axel at the Games, a feat that continues to separate elite competitors from the rest of the field.
The successful execution of this jump at the Olympic level requires not only technical mastery but also the mental fortitude to perform under the immense pressure of the world's biggest sporting stage. The triple Axel has become increasingly important in women's figure skating as the technical standards continue to rise.
Growing Triple Axel Club
The inclusion of Nakai and Glenn expands the exclusive roster of women who have landed the triple Axel at the Olympics. This growing list reflects the evolution of women's figure skating, where technical boundaries continue to be pushed with each Olympic cycle. Their achievement at Milano Cortina 2026 adds another chapter to the ongoing story of athletic progression in the sport.
