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BEIJING – Yuna Aoki claimed the women’s championship at the figure skating Four Continents Championships on Friday, with Ami Nakai and Mone Chiba, both heading to the Milan-Cortina Olympics, securing Japan’s first podium clean sweep since 2018.

First-time competitor Aoki achieved a score of 145.98 in the free skate, accumulating a total of 217.39 points in Beijing. This surpassed her previous overall high by a significant amount, as she climbed from second place in the short program and narrowly beat Nakai’s 215.78.

“I’m taken aback, and it seems like a dream,” said the 24-year-old Aoki after a performance that started with a very challenging triple lutz-loop combination, which she also successfully executed in the short program.

Standing on this stage felt like a dream, and it has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

A 17-year-old Nakai led after the short program but fell during her triple axel, while 2024 champion Chiba placed third in both segments, ending with a score of 202.23.

There is more happiness than frustration. I have done everything I could,” stated Nakai, who secured victory on her Grand Prix Series debut and finished in second place at the Grand Prix Final this season. “There is a feeling of satisfaction to conclude without any errors (after the axel).

A 20-year-old Chiba was not satisfied with her performance, acknowledging she “was missing speed and momentum overall” and needs “to act quickly before the Olympics.”