“I never tried to change her, because it’s impossible. She is a strong and complete individual, unlike anyone else. She’s someone who brings light to everyone she meets. She has a gift for making people happy.” Benoit Richaud on Kaori Sakamoto
French choreographer Benoit Richaud reflected on his long collaboration with four-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, praising her unique ability to make people happy and expressing pride in her career and character.
original source: Sports by Maya Bagriantseva
In an interview with Sports correspondent Maya Bagriantseva, Benoit Richaud spoke about the retirement of four-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, with whom he worked for many years. Here’s a translation.
“Q: You choreographed Kaori Sakamoto’s final short program. What did you think of her performance at the World Championships?
Benoit Richaud: I felt both happiness and sadness at the same time. But even more, I felt pride – for her, and a little for myself. For the first time in my career (and I’m only 38, still very young), I was with a skater from her first senior season to her last. We created many programs together, walking hand in hand for many years.
I never tried to change her, because it’s impossible. She is a strong and complete individual, unlike anyone else. She’s someone who brings light to everyone she meets. If you’re feeling down, just seeing Kaori will lift your spirits. She has a gift for making people happy.
It’s hard to put into words, but looking back on this season, I feel very strong emotions. Kaori and I have talked a lot recently, and I didn’t expect it, but she told me how grateful she is. Her mother also sent me a very warm message, thanking me for helping Kaori blossom as a skater.
It’s hard to believe now, but nine years ago, there wasn’t a line of choreographers waiting to work with her. Other Japanese skaters were in the spotlight, and Sakamoto was in the shadows.
Her final performances in Prague were an incredibly beautiful ending to a great career.
Q: Be honest: did you cry?
Benoit Richaud: Yes, of course. But even then, I felt so lucky to have worked with her, and to see how gracefully she’s ending her athletic journey.
Q: Did her silver in Milan disappoint you?
Benoit Richaud: I’m sorry her Olympic performance wasn’t perfect, but that’s sport, that’s the Olympics – anything can happen. Remember Ilia Malinin’s story: no one doubted he would win, but it didn’t happen.
But that’s their story, and over the years I’ve learned that everyone has their own path. What happened, happened. I told Kaori that if she wants to win the Olympics, she’ll have to come back to the sport, haha.”
Related topics: Benoit Richaud, Kaori Sakamoto
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