Winter Olympics 2026: Sakamoto Kaori Looking for Fairytale Swansong
It’s time to say goodbye to Sakamoto Kaori, a revered name in professional figure skating.
Now a three-time Olympic medallist, three-time world champion, and six-time Japanese national champion, Sakamoto is set to grace the ice for her final Olympic appearance, completing a remarkable 21-year journey in the sport. The anticipation is palpable, with fans hoping for a golden farewell for this Japan-based star.
The Milano Cortina 2026 figure skating competition begins with the women’s singles on February 17, a tough arena where Sakamoto faces fierce competition. Among her challengers are six other talented Japanese skaters and competitors from the U.S., all equally eager to seize the podium on this grand stage.
Having experienced the highs and lows of the last two Olympic Winter Games, Sakamoto acknowledges the pressure with a mixture of modesty and a flicker of expectancy. “I’ll probably die. It’ll be insane,” she shared candidly before embarking on her last Olympic journey.
The last year has been an emotional rollercoaster for Sakamoto, filled with joy but also stressful missteps. A notable point of consternation came at the Grand Prix Final in December, where pressure mounted after a rare misstep caused her to finish fifth in the short program. However, Sakamoto’s resilience shone through as she secured a bronze in the free program, breaking into joyful tears at the national championships after clinching a spot at Milano Cortina.
Today, her crowd-pleasing performances resonate even more due to the deep love and support she garners from fans and athletes alike. As she steps onto the ice, the sport holds its collective breath, hoping for nothing less than gold to encapsulate her legacy.
Sakamoto’s journey will continue post-Olympics as she plans on pursuing coaching. Competing at the World Championships later this March in Prague, she might soon solidify her impact on the sport even further.Although high stakes lay ahead, her history of dancing with pressure will prove invaluable as she seeks an ending that matches her storied career.
