Spirit of the Games
‘Had me tearing up’ – Winter Olympics teen sensation leaves fans stunned with heartwarming reaction to winning bronze

WINTER Olympics fans loved the live reaction of teenage sensation Ami Nakai discovering she had won a bronze medal.

The 17-year-old has turned heads from start to finish in the figure skating and the Japanese star got her just rewards with a podium finish.

Alysa Liu celebrates with Ami Nakai after the 17-year-old realized she had won a medalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Liu, the gold medal winner, was overjoyed for her peer’s rewarCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

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Fans loved her reaction when she realized she won goldCredit: NBC
A video has circulated on social media showing the talented skater reacting to her scores in real time and fans think her genuine delight captures the essence of the Games.

She was clearly unaware that she was in contention to win a medal and had to check with her coach and rivals that she had actually won.

Gold medal winner Alysa Liu immediately embraced the Olympic wonderkid once Nakai realised her podium spot.

As the pair celebrated together, the commentator said, “If that doesn’t make your heart melt, I don’t know what does.”

On social media, there was plenty of positive reactions with a video posted on TikTok stating, “This was so sweet, it had me tearing up.”

One user commented, “I’m sobbing! What a beautiful moment and loved the heartfelt support and hugs from her team mate. THIS is what sport is about.”

Another posted, “I balled my eyes out watching this live. Girls rule.”

A third replied, “Alysa seemed happier about Ami’s bronze than her own gold and I love that. Alysa just came to showcase her skating regardless of the result and wanted everyone to have a good time.”

Liu won America’s first gold in figure skating in 20 years. Liu, who received a personal-best score for the two-day event, stepped away from figure skating at age 16, citing burnout.

She returned two years later intent on enjoying the sport rather than chasing success, but the ultimate victory has followed.

Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto was the runner-up to Liu in her final ever Olympics before retiring, finishing with 224.90 points.

Japan secured second, third and fourth place in the figure skating and Nakai actually led Sakamoto heading into the final day.

But it certainly felt like a passing of the torch moment with Nakai’s arrival onto the scene just as Sakamoto bows out, both of them adorned with medals.

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Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, Gold medalist Alysa Liu of United States, Ami Nakai of Japan during the victory ceremonyCredit: Getty

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