Kaori Sakamoto: “When I first performed the complete Chicago piece, I struggled greatly and it was a complete mess. This time, I did my best to make it enjoyable for both viewers and judges, and I’m glad it paid off.”
Kaori Sakamoto on winning NHK Trophy 2024.
original source: Nikkansports / Nikkansports dd. 10th November 2024 by Daisuke Fujitsuka
Kaori Sakamoto (24) about winning the NHK Trophy and advancing to the Final. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
“I never thought I could perform like this. I am surprised myself. I am just the happiest,” she said with a smile after her performance.
Kaori also shared that she was hesitant about this choice of the program. Initially when choreographer Marie-France proposed it in May as a “champion’s piece,” Sakamoto declined but reconsidered and began working on it from July, including new triple jump combinations, believing “overcoming this will make me stronger.” However, when she first performed the complete piece, she struggled greatly, describing it as “a complete mess.”
Upon returning from Canada, she analyze her free program to Chicago and told, “There are many dance parts apart from the jumps. It’s denser than before, and I am not used to it yet.” This time she was more satisfied with her performance, saying “At the previous competition in Canada, my nervousness was clearly visible. This time, I did my best to make it enjoyable for both viewers and judges, and I’m glad it paid off.”
Last season, her practice was flawless, but this season she completed her free program cleanly only once every two or three days. “I realized I need to train thoroughly to feel confident,” she admitted. In the two weeks from returning home from Canada to this competition, she practiced with the music countless times to quash the anxiety. “By continuously doing it, I knew I could make it,” she told. Even in official practice on the day, while most skaters were only checking their jumps, Sakamoto alone checked her choreography after jumps, which contributed to her performance. “I was able to skate aggressively without being nervous,” she said.
At the GP Final and the upcoming Nationals in December, where she will pursue her fourth consecutive title, she sees her competitors as challenges, including herself. “Rather than comparing myself to others, I aim to improve upon my personal best. I take each competition seriously as the results from this season can propel me into the next. I hope to build my confidence,” she told.
Related topics: grand prix, Kaori Sakamoto, NHK Trophy
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