Kaori Sakamoto to Retire from Figure Skating After 2026 Olympic Games
In a significant announcement for the figure skating community, Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, revealed that she will retire from competitive skating following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The 25-year-old Japanese sensation has been a dominant force in the world of skating, capturing fans with her technical prowess and artistic performances.
Sakamoto etched her name in Olympic history when she won a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, further solidifying her status as a preeminent figure in the sport. Earlier this year, she claimed the silver medal at the world championships, finishing just behind American skater Alysa Liu, showcasing her resilience and competitive spirit.
During an emotional news conference in Kobe, Japan, Sakamoto expressed her thoughts on age and her imminent retirement. “I feel like I have less than a year left,” she stated, highlighting the inevitable passage of time that every athlete faces. Acknowledging the challenges that come with age, she said, “I’ll be 29 at the following Olympics in 2030, which is out of the question. I’ll try to bring things to a close the year I turn 26.”
Sakamoto’s career has inspired countless young skaters, and her decision to retire marks the end of an era for Japanese figure skating. As she prepares for her final Olympic run, all eyes will be on her as she strives to leave a remarkable legacy. Fans eagerly anticipate her performances in the upcoming season, hoping to see Sakamoto deliver her signature routines one last time.
With less than a year remaining in her illustrious career, Kaori Sakamoto’s journey in the annals of figure skating will be celebrated, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring future generations of athletes.
