Kaori Sakamoto: “As the end draws closer with every moment, I want to perform in a way that I can say I gave everything in every competition. I want each performance to feel like I left it all on the ice.”
Kaori Sakamoto Reflects on Final Competitive Season Ahead of Milan-Cortina Olympics
original source: Hochi News dd. October 2d, 2025
Kaori Sakamoto has declared that the 2025–26 season, culminating in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, will be her final competitive year. With her theme for the season set as “Summary,” she is determined to close out her career with strong performances in every competition. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Hochi News.
The 2025–26 figure skating season officially kicked off with a press conference in Tokyo on October 1, featuring 11 athletes, including Kaori Sakamoto. Sakamoto, who has announced her retirement following this season, revealed her theme for the year: “Summary.”
Looking ahead to her last season, Sakamoto reflected on her mindset:
“I’ve decided this will be my last season, so it’s about reaching my final form. As always, I’ll push myself hard in practice and aim to deliver results in competitions. If I can stack up those results, I believe it will form the culmination of my efforts, which is why I chose this theme (‘Summary’).”
Last season, Sakamoto finished second at the World Championships, falling short in her quest for a fourth consecutive title. However, this disappointment has fueled her determination:
“That result showed me that I still have room to grow – it was an important experience ahead of an Olympic season. With that realization, I’m motivated to give it my all this year.”
The Milan-Cortina Olympics marks Sakamoto’s third consecutive Winter Games, following her appearances at PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022. This season serves as the culmination of her illustrious career.
Sakamoto began her season at the September Challenger Series Kinoshita Group Trophy, where she placed second – result that left her both disappointed and driven:
“That performance lit my motivation switch.”
Her Grand Prix Series campaign will begin with the France Cup, kicking off on October 18. Aware of the significance of every competition in her final season, Sakamoto shared her resolve:
“As the end draws closer with every moment, I want to perform in a way that I can say I gave everything in every competition. I want each performance to feel like I left it all on the ice.”
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto
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