Kaori Sakamoto: “This season, I’ve cried a lot and things haven’t always gone as planned, but those tears were for this big stage. I was able to skate my best in the first performance, so I feel relieved. We’ll do our best to win gold together.”
Kaori Sakamoto led the women’s short program in the figure skating team event at the Milano-Cortina Olympics.
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp / Hochi News dd. 6th January 2026
Kaori Sakamoto led Japan to second place in the team event at the Milano-Cortina Olympics with a world-leading score in the women’s short program, marking the start of her final Olympic Games. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Reflecting on her performance, Sakamoto said, “I felt the usual nerves, but it was a good kind of tension and focus. I was able to perform at my best.”
“I’m just glad I was able to finish the short program safely. Rather than feeling like ‘I did it,’ I mostly feel relieved. I’m very satisfied since I got the maximum score,” she said, smiling.
“Today I was able to focus well and channel my nerves into concentration. This season, I’ve cried a lot and things haven’t always gone as planned, but those tears were for this big stage. I was able to skate my best in the first performance, so I feel relieved. If I can give 120%, I think I’ll get the results I want. We’ll do our best to win gold together.”
“I was happy the audience clapped along. When the Olympics started, I teared up in the first ten seconds… I felt all my hard work had paid off,” expressing gratitude for the support from the crowd.
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto, Olympic Games
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