Three-Time World Champion Sakamoto Claims Top Score in Final Olympic Bid
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto opened her final Olympic chapter in commanding fashion, earning the highest score in the women’s short program of the team event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with a season-best performance of 78.88 points.
Competing in what she has announced will be her last season, the three-time world champion delivered a pristine technical execution highlighted by level-four spins and step sequences. Her performance captivated the Italian crowd and moved fellow athletes to their feet—a fitting tribute to a competitor who has redefined excellence in women’s figure skating over the past decade.
Sakamoto, who was born in 2000 and grew up in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, selected “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman for her short program music, a symbolic choice that underscores the emotional weight of these Games. In 2022, she became the first Japanese woman to claim an individual Olympic medal since Mao Asada in 2010, earning bronze in Beijing.
Beyond her technical prowess, Sakamoto has distinguished herself as a mentor figure for younger Japanese teammates. Known for her explosive speed on ice and engaging personality, she has become a cornerstone of Japan’s figure skating program—a role she plans to continue in a coaching capacity following her retirement from competitive skating.
Championship Pedigree and Past Glory
Sakamoto’s credentials speak to her dominance in the sport. Her accolades include three consecutive ISU World Championships titles, a 2022 Olympic bronze medal, and multiple national championships spanning 2018 through 2025. She also claimed gold at the 2023 Grand Prix Final and the 2018 Four Continents Championships, establishing her as one of Japan’s most decorated figure skaters.
Her technical repertoire—including consistent execution of complex jumps and innovative choreography—has set her apart from competitors throughout her career. On the international stage, she has competed alongside fellow medalists from the Japanese contingent, including teammates who have similarly excelled under the guidance of top coaching circles.
What’s Next for Team Japan
With the women’s singles individual event scheduled to begin on February 17 local time, Sakamoto will have another opportunity to pursue Olympic gold. The men’s singles individual event begins February 10, featuring other Japanese competitors seeking to add to Team Japan’s medal haul.
As Sakamoto approaches the conclusion of her competitive career, every performance carries heightened significance—not just for the athlete herself, but for a nation that has rallied behind her journey and the future of Japanese figure skating.
