Kaori Sakamoto: “I always thought that European competitions clearly mark edges and under-rotations, and I found that to be good for me. It helped highlight areas that I need to correct for the upcoming Nationals.
Kaori Sakamoto about bronze at the Grand Prix Final and upcoming Japanese Nationals.
original source: Nikkansports / Nikkansports dd. 8th December 2024 by Matsumoto Wataru
Kaori Sakamoto, who finished third at the Grand Prix Final commented on her performance and next goals. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
“Firstly, I’m relieved. I’m glad I made it to the podium without any major mistakes. There were some questionable parts, but I thought it would somehow work out. I didn’t feel that way during the short, but I did in the free, so I’m somewhat satisfied,” Kaori said, answering how she feels looking back at her performannce.
“Since I arrived here, my concentration was good, so I was conscious about maintaining that focus. I could act with a sense of calmness, which also gave me mental space,” she added.
When asked about a series of under-rotated jumps in the second half of the free program, Kaori replied: “I think it was fair. The first flip in the 3-3 flip-toe combo was higher than the flip before the steps, which enabled me to attach the 3-3, but when I landed the toe loop, it felt suspicious. It was noticible since yesterday’s official practice. I was aware that both the lutz and loop were under-rotated. It’s good that this was accurately reflected. However, I still don’t know the reason for the ‘V’ in the combination spin, so I plan to ask about it later.”
“Not so much fatigue,” she disscussed the reasons for under-rotations. “It was as I practiced. I can’t clearly recall what I was thinking halfway through, but I believe I gave everything I could at the moment.”
The journalist also asked her mental state after the short program. “Actually, I was really nervous about the short from usual practices, and since arriving here, I’ve been saying how much I disliked it (laughs). I didn’t feel that way about the free, no matter how tired or sick I was. I was able to stay focused during the free just like in regular practices. I felt much clearer than the day before yesterday,” Sakamoto replied.
As for the experience gained at this competitions, she said, “I always thought that European competitions clearly mark edges and under-rotations, and I found that to be good for me. It helped highlight areas that I need to correct for the upcoming Nationals, showing me exactly what I need to practice in both the short and free programs.”
As for the upcoming Japanese Nationals, where she could win her fourth consecutive title, she remarked, “I’m not thinking about that. I do want to win, but I’m not focused on a fourth consecutive victory. It’s a situation where anyone could win, so I just want to show how much I can do.”
Related topics: grand prix final, Kaori Sakamoto
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