Sakamoto Kaori Set to Retire After Milano-Cortina Olympics
In a significant announcement, three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori declared on June 20 that she will retire from competitive figure skating following the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic season. The 25-year-old skater expressed her sentiments during the unveiling of her new home rink in Kobe, Japan.
“I feel like there is less than one year to go with my career,” Sakamoto stated. As a two-time Olympic medallist, the seasoned athlete acknowledged the complexity of planning her future. “I’ve been working on choreography this May and June for the upcoming competition. I realized that instead of stretching it over another two or three years, now is the right time to retire,” she explained. “If I continued for four more years, I’d be 29, which I don’t believe is feasible. I want to draw the line when I turn 26 this season.”
Sakamoto’s focus is not just on her last competitive year but also on her future aspirations. The skater revealed her intention to transition into coaching after her competitive days are behind her. “The better results I achieve now will greatly assist with my second career. If I perform well, it will help draw attention moving forward, and I hope to one day develop a standout skater from Kobe,” she emphasized.
With the competitive figure skating community abuzz, Sakamoto’s decision comes during a critical phase in her career. The upcoming season will not only be a chance to cement her legacy with an Olympic title but also represents a turning point as she prepares for coaching. As she gears up to leave a mark on this sport, her dedication and vision promise exciting developments for the next generation of figure skaters in Japan.
As the countdown to the Milano-Cortina Olympics continues, fans will be watching closely to see how Sakamoto Kaori aims to conclude her illustrious career. More updates are expected in the lead-up to this monumental event in the world of figure skating.
