The 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating event is the pinnacle of grace, athleticism, and high-stakes drama. Held at the state-of-the-art Milano Ice Skating Arena, this segment determines which athlete walks away with the prestigious Olympic gold medal. Following a thrilling short program, the world’s top 24 skaters return to the ice for a four-minute display of technical mastery and artistic storytelling.
As we reach the climax of the Milano Cortina Games, the competition has never been tighter. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating, from the top contenders to the technical requirements that will decide the podium.
2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Single Skating Free Skating Schedule
The free skate is the final and most decisive phase of the women’s singles competition. Below is the official timing for the event:
| Event | Date | Time (CET) | Venue |
| Women’s Short Program | February 17, 2026 | 18:45 | Milano Ice Skating Arena |
| Women’s Free Skating | February 19, 2026 | 19:00 | Milano Ice Skating Arena |
Top Contenders Heading into the Free Skate
The 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating features a historic “Japan vs. USA” showdown, with a few “X-factors” capable of shaking up the standings.
1. Ami Nakai (Japan)
The 17-year-old phenom stunned the world by leading after the short program. With a flawless triple Axel and a “10 out of 10” execution, Nakai is the favorite to take gold. Her free skate is expected to include high-difficulty combinations that could set a new Olympic record.
2. Kaori Sakamoto (Japan)
A three-time World Champion and veteran of three Olympic Games, Sakamoto is skating her “final” competitive season. Her program, set to Time to Say Goodbye, is an emotional powerhouse. Her power and skating skills (PCS) often give her a significant edge in the free skating segment.
3. Alysa Liu (USA)
The 2025 World Champion, Alysa Liu, has completed one of the greatest comebacks in skating history. Currently sitting in the top three, Liu’s consistency and technical precision make her the United States’ best hope for a gold medal since 2002.
4. Amber Glenn (USA)
Known for her explosive triple Axel, Glenn is a crowd favorite. If she lands her signature jump in the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating, she could catapult from the middle of the pack straight onto the podium.
5. Adeliia Petrosian (Individual Neutral Athlete)
Petrosian is the technical “dark horse.” She is the only skater in the field potentially attempting a quadruple jump. While she sits in 5th place after the short program, a clean quadruple jump in the free skate could bridge the point gap instantly.
Technical Requirements for the Free Skate
In the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating, athletes have 4 minutes (plus or minus 10 seconds) to perform a well-balanced program. The scoring is divided into two parts: the Technical Element Score (TES) and the Program Component Score (PCS).
- Seven Jump Elements: Must include at least one Axel-type jump.
- Three Spins: One must be a spin combination, one a flying spin, and one a spin in a single position.
- Step Sequence: Evaluated for complexity, edge work, and body control.
- Choreographic Sequence: A sequence of movements that enhances the artistic theme of the program.
The judges calculate the score using a “trimmed mean” to ensure fairness across the international panel.
How to Watch the Event Live
If you want to catch the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating live, here are your best options:
- United States: NBC (Television) and Peacock (Streaming with multi-cam venue feeds).
- Europe: Eurosport and local national broadcasters.
- Global: The official Olympics.com website provides live results and highlights.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating?
The free skating event is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, starting at 19:00 CET at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Who is leading the women’s figure skating in 2026?
After the short program, Ami Nakai of Japan leads the standings, followed closely by teammate Kaori Sakamoto and the USA’s Alysa Liu.
Where is the figure skating venue for the 2026 Olympics?
All individual figure skating events, including the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating, are held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan, Italy.
Are there any quadruple jumps in the women’s free skate?
Adeliia Petrosian, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN), is currently the most likely contender to attempt a quadruple jump in her free skating program.
Conclusion
The 2026 Winter Olympics women’s single skating free skating is more than just a competition; it is the culmination of years of sacrifice and training. Whether it is the youthful brilliance of Ami Nakai or the veteran elegance of Kaori Sakamoto, the final night of women’s skating in Milan promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Olympic history.
