Kaori Sakamoto: “I finished second at Worlds which was frustrating, but it reignited the “chasing” mindset I had at the beginning of my career. In that sense, this was an invaluable experience.”
"Step-by-Step, But with Dynamic Jumps": Kaori Sakamoto on Her Skating Career and Mindset original source: [...]
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. [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “Adeliia Petrosian didn’t attempt quad jumps during the qualifiers, but it’s obvious she’ll be landing them at the Olympics. I need to prepare myself mentally for what’s to come.”
Kaori Sakamoto Aims for Her Best in Final Competitive Season Before Retirement original source: Nikkansports, [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “Three years ago, my trainer told me as I get older, it would only get harder to skate if I kept relying on brute strength. Since then, I’ve worked on improving how I use my body.”
Kaori Sakamoto: Overcoming Challenges and Aiming for Olympic Success in Milan-Cortina original source: [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “I’ve realized that I was being too relaxed in my training sessions during the off-season. It’s like I was ‘Rapunzel,’ secluded and unaware of the outside world.”
Kaori Sakamoto kicked off her final competitive season at the Challenger Series Kinoshita Cup, finishing second [...]
“That result was within expectations. The probability of a clean program in practice hasn’t been high.” Kaori Sakamoto on the start of her season
Kaori Sakamoto, the reigning World silver medalist and two-time Olympian, began her farewell season at the Challenger [...]
“It feels like the time has finally come. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s not so much sadness or wishing I could keep going. So I want to enjoy the competition.” Kaori Sakamoto on start of her final season
Kaori Sakamoto expressed her determination and excitement ahead of her season debut at the Challenger Series Kinoshita [...]
“The days we have left to train together are limited, but as a fellow skater, I want to keep working hard to be a strong athlete, just as she is. I’m grateful for all that Kao-chan has meant to me.” Mai Mihara on Kaori Sakamoto’s decision to retire after this season
Mai Mihara reflects on Kaori Sakamoto's decision to retire after this season. original source: Tokyo Sports, August [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “I never imagined I would win an Olympic medal. Though I said during interviews that I was aiming for a medal, I didn’t believe I had much of a chance. When they placed the medal around my neck, I felt its weight and knew it was real.”
Kaori Sakamoto reflects on her Olympic experiences and strives for growth as she eyes Milan 2026. original source: [...]
“I’ll admit – I cried several times. It feels like we’ve completed a life cycle together.” Benoit Richaud on creating a program for Kaori Sakamoto in her last competitive season
Benoit Richaud reflects on his journey as choreographer for Kaori Sakamoto's final season. original source: Sports [...]
“I’m probably a total masochist!” and “To show skating that truly feels like me, I knew I needed his touch.” Kaori Sakamoto about working with Benoit Richaud for her final competitive season
Kaori Sakamoto reunites with Benoit Richaud for her final competitive season. original source: Nikkansports dd. [...]
“I hope we can support each other and keep pushing until the very end.” Kaori Sakamoto about her and Wakaba Higuchi’s last competitive season
Kaori Sakamoto and Wakaba Higuchi to fight alongside in their final season. original source: Nikkansports dd. June [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “I felt it’d be better to finish cleanly rather than dragging on for two or three more years. If I were to aim for the 2030 Olympics, I’d be 29 – it feels impossible.”
Kaori Sakamoto announces retirement following the Milano-Cortina Olympic season. original source: Hochi News dd. [...]
“It feels right to conclude my career at 26.” Kaori Sakamoto announces retirement at the end of the Olympic season
Kaori Sakamoto announces retirement at the end of the Milano-Cortina Olympic season. original source: Nikkansports [...]
“My strategy is not to look! I won’t pay attention to what’s happening around me. I’ll focus on myself.” Kaori Sakamoto about the potential return of the Russian skaters as neutrals
Kaori Sakamoto about World Team Trophy and preparing for the Olympic season. original source: Tokyo Sports dd. [...]
Shun Sato: “I was deeply impressed by Mao Asada. Her performance drew you in even when she wasn’t jumping — it was mesmerizing. I hope to create performances like that myself.”
Shun Sato about skating in shows and World Team Trophy. original source: Nikkansports dd. April 24th by Daisuke [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “I realized I’m surprisingly not good at quick movements. Next season, rather than focusing on dynamic movements, I want to compete by showcasing my skating skills.”
Kaori Sakamoto about preparation for the next season. original source: Nikkansports dd. April 20th 2025 [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “This time, I truly lost — fairly and squarely. I’ve carried titles like multiple championships and being a favorite to win, but once that cycle gets reset, I feel like I’ll be able to move forward with a clean slate.”
Interview with Kaori Sakamoto. original source: number.bunshun.jp dd. April 9th 2025 by Mie Noguchi View [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “I was practicing the whole time, yet my condition wouldn’t improve. I got stuck in this negative cycle. The sense of panic I felt this year was completely different from what I experienced last year.”
Kaori Sakamoto about winning silver at the 2025 World Championships. original source: Nikkansports dd. March 31st [...]
“The skaters are showing the same content that we did nine years ago at the World Championships in this same city.” Elena Radionova about the level of women’s skating
Elena Radionova about the level of women's skating at the 2025 World Championships. source: TASS/ Championat [...]
Wakaba Higuchi: “I’m so happy that Kaori and I were able to deliver good performances together. Both of us faced really tough moments, and now we feel such relief.”
Wakaba Higuchi about 2025 World Championships. original source: Nikkansports dd. March 28th 2025 by Daisuke [...]
Tatiana Tarasova: “I was left with good impressions from the women’s performances at the World Championships. However, none of them, except Amber Glenn, attempted ultra-C elements.”
Tatiana Tarasova about women’s event at the 2025 World Championships. source: TASS View this post on [...]
“I respect her deeply, and I think her achievement serves as a light of hope for all of us. At that moment, I was so moved and happy for her.” Kaori Sakamoto about Alysa Liu
Kaori Sakamoto about Alysa Liu. original source: Nikkansports dd. March 29th 2025 by Matsumoto Wataru [...]
Kaori Sakamoto: “When Alysa delivered her perfect performance, I thought, “Well, I’ve lost.” I was truly happy for Alysa’s victory, but that happiness was followed by overwhelming frustration.”
Kaori Sakamoto about winning silver at the 2025 World Championships. original source: Nikkansports dd. March 29th [...]