“A competitive career where you can run at full speed until the very end – that’s the ideal, I think.” Mone Chiba on Kaori Sakamoto’s final competitions
Mone Chiba returned to Japan after winning silver at Worlds, expressing pride in her progress since the Olympics and determination to become one of Japan’s leading skaters following Kaori Sakamoto’s retirement.
original source: Nikkansports 31st March 2026
Mone Chiba (20), who won the silver medal at the World Figure Skating Championships, returned to Japan on the 31st. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Chiba said, “I was able to train well over the month since the Olympics. There were a lot of uncertainties, but I’m really glad I was able to turn it into results like this,” expressing pride in overcoming the disappointment of finishing fourth at the Milan Olympics and achieving a personal best total of 228.47 points for second place.
At this competition, Kaori Sakamoto (25) retired, ending her career on a high note. Witnessing Sakamoto’s final performance, Chiba said, “A competitive career where you can run at full speed until the very end – that’s the ideal, I think,” expressing her respect.
With Sakamoto’s retirement, Chiba will be expected to take on a greater role next season. “Japanese women’s skating is really deep, and there are so many skaters who could be called the ace. That’s a wonderful thing,” she said, adding, “I want to work hard from now on so I can become one of those aces myself,” expressing her renewed determination.
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto, Mone Chiba, world championship
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