“They’re an impressive trio.” Kaori Sakamoto on US Olympic representatives in women’s singles
Kaori Sakamoto is eagerly preparing for her final Olympics in Milano-Cortina, expressing excitement about competing against the world’s best and focusing on enjoying every moment.
original source: Nikkansports 17th January 2026 by Matsumoto Wataru
Kaori Sakamoto (25), who will compete in women’s figure skating at the Milano-Cortina Olympics starting February 6, shared her anticipation for facing top skaters from around the world. Here’s a translation of her comments.
She opened her practice to the media at her training base, Sysmex Kobe Ice Campus in Kobe. From 8:30 a.m., she ran through both her short program and free skate with music, saying, “At this stage, I’m more excited than nervous. I want to enjoy it as long as I can. When it gets closer, I’ll probably feel more nervous, but with three weeks left, I still feel relaxed,” she revealed honestly.
On the 11th, the U.S. women’s team – her rivals in both the team and individual events – was announced. After the U.S. Championships in January, the lineup includes world champion Alysa Liu, Grand Prix Final winner Amber Glenn, and 2024 World silver medalist Isabeau Levito. Sakamoto commented, “They’re an impressive trio,” and added, “The three who made the Olympic team were as expected. The four medalists (the U.S. Championships awards up to fourth place) are all truly deserving… (Bradie) Tennell has been a teammate since the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018, so seeing these four together is very moving,” she smiled.
Sakamoto has announced she will retire at the end of this season. With the new year underway, she is heading into the climax of her career with the Olympics in February and the World Championships in March. Still, the reigning Japanese champion declared, “Right now, I’m giving it my all, so I don’t feel any lingering attachment!” She is determined to finish her career with no regrets as she heads to Milan.
Related topics: Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Bradie Tennell, Isabeau Levito, Kaori Sakamoto, Olympic Games
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