Verified Results: Mirai Nagasu at the 2018 Olympics
At the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Mirai Nagasu made history as the first American woman in over 50 years to land a triple Axel at the Olympic Games. This verified explainer outlines her performances, scores, placement, and the lasting context of her achievement.
Historic Triple Axel in PyeongChang
Nagasu’s triple Axel in the short program at the 2018 Olympics marked a milestone for U.S. women’s skating and was the first by an American woman at the Olympics since 1960. The technical and competitive significance is widely noted in archival coverage and official results from the event.
Short Program Performance and Score
In the short program, Nagasu completed her triple Axel combination and earned a score of 61.46 points. This placed her 7th in the segment and reflected the technical difficulty and clean execution under Olympic conditions.
Free Skate Performance and Score
In the free skate, Nagasu expanded on her technical content and artistry, earning 119.56 points. She finished the free skate in 4th place, which contributed to an overall combined score of 181.02 and a final placement of 4th in the ladies’ event.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | 2018 Winter Olympics, PyeongChang | Official Results |
| Segment | Ladies’ Short Program | ISU Official Data |
| Score (Short Program) | 61.46 | ISU Official Results |
| Placement (Short Program) | 7th | ISU Official Results |
| Segment | Ladies’ Free Skate | ISU Official Results |
| Score (Free Skate) | 119.56 | ISU Official Results |
| Placement (Free Skate) | 4th | ISU Official Results |
| Total Score | 181.02 | ISU Official Results |
| Final Placement | 4th | ISU Official Results |
Context and Pre-Olympic Trajectory
In the season leading to 2018, Nagasu worked extensively on integrating the triple Axel into her competitive repertoire. Her results at prior Grand Prix events and the U.S. Nationals were key in securing her spot on the Olympic team and demonstrated consistency at the highest level.
Impact on U.S. Figure Skating History
Nagasu’s triple Axel at the 2018 Olympics is frequently cited as a breakthrough moment for women’s figure skating in the United States. It complemented the performances of her teammates and contributed to a broader discussion about technical advancement and representation in the sport.
Post-Olympics Career and Legacy
In the years following the Olympics, Nagasu continued to compete at the highest level, including multiple national podium finishes and international assignments. Her 2018 Olympic performance remains a defining achievement in her career and is referenced in historical timelines of U.S. figure skating milestones.